Mansfield Courier 050723

Council budget a big splash

MANSFIELD Shire council has voted to adopt its proposed budget for the next financial year after extensive consultation and an open submissions process, promising to deliver investments for a variety of projects as well as streamlining council’s operations.

Mayor Cr James Tehan said it is a sound and economically responsible budget that responds to community input.

“With inflation running at 7 per cent, a State Government rate cap of 3.5 per cent, and increased waste charges, the only way to balance this budget was through significant cost savings and/or increased revenue,” said Cr Tehan.

“The budget included a thorough process that identified up front cost savings of approximately $500,000 and increased investment revenue of $250,000, which has made balancing this budget possible

BY SAMUEL O’BRIEN sobrien@ nemedia.com.au

and inclusion of many initiatives in response to the community feedback.”

Major items include $15.58 million for the region’s capital works program, $89,000 to extend operating hours for the Mansfield Library and streamlining a variety of charges to use council facilities.

Rates will also increase by under the 3.5 per cent cap set by the Victorian Government’s Fair Go Rates System; however household waste charges will increase by nine per cent.

The majority of ratepayers have a 120L kerbside rubbish bin and currently pay $495 and in 2023-24 will pay approximately $541.74.

Mansfield Shire Council

received 102 submissions from the community about where to focus investment in the area, with a further 14 made during draft consultations in May.

The majority of these were in relation to improvements at the Mansfield Library and Lords Oval, both of which have been addressed.

Council has also approved financial commitments to the IMPACT Route year one works, stage one construction of the Mansfield Heritage Museum and pump track design, upgrades to Mt Buller Service Road and the completion of stage two of the Heavy Vehicle Alternative Route. These will be funded with $7.92 million from government grants, $180,000 of developer contributions and $7.48 million from Council operations for a combined total of $15.58 million.

Sporting facilities have not

been ignored either, with council committing to substantial upgrades to the Lords Reserve Pavilion and Lords Oval as well as upgrades to the toilets at the Merton Racecourse.

The Bonnie Doon and Merton Recreational Reserves will receive upgrades alongside pedestrian safety improvement projects in Mansfield and Goughs Bay.

Within council, resources will be expanded to ensure that council operations meet demand and move towards long-term commitments.

This includes increase support for community events, more resources for the Field Services team and software and a digitisation program to decrease carbon footprint and preserve records.

Fees and charges have been simplified in the new budget with

fees scrapped to use the skate park, bouldering wall, cricket nets at Lords Oval and the herb garden in the Botanic Park.

For consistency, additional charges, cleaning fees and key replacement fees have been added to a variety of locations to simplify the way the council charges for spaces.

Despite this, council has managed to deliver a $9.1 million surplus, allowing for further investment into services and infrastructure over the course of the next financial year.

During the June Council meeting Cr Mark Holcombe expressed his approval for the measures in the budget.

“The challenge for our council, and all rural councils, is how we manage and survive with our limited financial resources,” he said.

■ Continued page 2

THE Tran family from Vietnam were jumping for joy on Mt Buller last week during their first ever visit to the snow.

PHOTO: Tony Harrington

New child employment laws increase protections and penalties

NEW child employment laws are now in effect in Victoria, with a claimed modernised and simpler licensing system and stronger penalties.

The state’s child employment watchdog, Wage Inspectorate Victoria, is urging employers to take time to understand the laws, as research exposes common misconceptions about child employment.

Commissioner of Wage Inspectorate Victoria, Robert Hortle, said research shows that 33 per cent of Victorians mistakenly believe 14 and nine months is the age kids can start working and a further 25 per cent believe they have to be 15 to get a job, but provided the employer has a licence, children can do delivery work from 11 and other types of work from 13.

Mr Hortle said Victoria’s child employment laws say nothing about being 14 and nine months and they haven’t for a very long time.

He said the new laws see a licensing system replace a permit system and enables businesses to employ multiple kids under one licence, instead of needing a permit for each child.

The changes also give the Wage Inspectorate stronger powers: maximum penalty for employing a child without a licence increased from $18,500 to more than $200,000.

In addition to obtaining a licence, Mr Hortle said there are other important rules employers must follow, like making sure kids are getting adequate rest breaks, finishing work by 9pm and not working during school hours.

More information at wageinspectorate.vic.gov. au.

V/Line fares rise

V/LINE fares will rose almost a dollar from the start of July in accordance with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) raising the Myki fare cap.

From July 1, a daily fare ticket to Melbourne now cost $10 and $5 for concessions, while the single fare went from $4.60 to $5.

Weekend fares also increase from $6.70 to $7.20, and a single ticket from $3.35 to $3.60.

The rise comes three months after the State Government delivered on an election promise

■ From page 1

to bring V/Line fares down to $9.20 for a one way ticket to match metropolitan fares.

Minister for Transport, Lily D’Ambrosio, said it is normal policy to increase fares by CPI on January 1, however the increase was delayed this year to ease cost of living pressures and allow cheaper regional public transport fares to be introduced as quickly as possible.

“Travelling from Albury Wodonga to Melbourne saves you about $40 on a single one way

trip with a return fare saving you $80,” she said.

“The public transport system needs to be supported as it always is to be able to continue to deliver the services Victorians enjoy today.

“The regional fares remain capped at the metropolitan fares and to the future Victorians will be travelling and saving significant dollars on regional transportation and public transport.

“Regional cities are enjoying

significant savings on travel, the evidence is there… we’ve seen an increase in the number of people travelling in regional Victoria and that’s the way we want it to work.”

A State Government spokesperson said annual fare rises are necessary to continue to support and improve the public transport network for all Victorians, as fares cover only around one third of the operating cost of Victoria’s public transport system.

Council budget a big splash

“We try to do this by balancing and prioritising the needs of our ratepayers with our legal requirements combined with allocating our resources as efficiently as possible.

“I’d like to congratulate the CEO, the executive team and all the staff at Mansfield Shire council for what is an excellent 2023-24 budget.

“Without a doubt, this is the most financially responsible and progressive budget that I have seen in the last 13 years.

“I like this budget because it is a community response budget.

“We have listened to the community in a number of different formats and have responded quite definitively to most of the things they asked for.”

Cr Steve Rabie echoed the statement and highlighted record

spending and savings.

“We have delivered a budget which has a record infrastructure spend, record surplus and identifying cost saving to ratepayer of around $500,000,” he said.

“This budget demonstrates that council has been steering the ship with a steady hand.”

In addition to the budget, Council also adopted the Revised Revenue and Rating Plan to modify the differential rates applied to each property category to ensure a more equitable distribution of the general rates revenue and minimise rate “shocks” from large movements in property values.

At a glance, key infrastructure features include:

 Upgrades to Highton Lane and sealing of Rifle Butts Road –IMPACT Route Year 1 works.

 Mansfield Station Precinct –new Heritage Museum Building Stage 1 construction and Pump Track design.

 Mt Buller Service Road upgrade and improved car parking.

 Heavy Vehicle Alternate Route (HVAR) Stage 2 completion (completion of upgrades to Greenvale Lane, Mt Battery Road and Dead Horse Lane).

 Lords Reserve Pavilion (over two financial years) and Lords Oval drainage (subject to grant funding applications).

 Lords Reserve Public Toilet upgrade.

 Bonnie Doon Recreation Reserve and Community Hall.

 Merton Recreation ReservePublic Toilet facilities renewal.

 Pedestrian safety improvements - Monkey Gully

Road, Malcolm Street, and Goughs Bay township.

New initiatives include:

 Increasing the Outlying Communities Infrastructure Fund Grant program.

 Increased library opening hours and programs.

 Providing increased Field Services resources to improve fire access tracks, expand street sweeping services

 Additional permanent full-time Statutory Planning Officer to improve timelines for planning permits.

 Implementation of new software to improve carbon emissions tracking and reporting.

 Expanded tree inspection resources and management program with an in-house arborist.

ON THE RISE: From July 1 a daily V/Line fare ticket will rise from $9.20 to $10 in accordance with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) raising the Myki fare cap.

Shaken but not stirred

ONCE again the region has been rocked by earth tremors, with a magnitude 4.6 earthquake registered in the early hours of Friday morning.

Occurring just after 1.30am, the epicentre was near Rawson at a depth of seven kilometres, with over 11,000 people registering reports of the earthquake with Geoscience Australia, by lunchtime on the Friday.

Interestingly both Rawson and Woods Point are on very similar longitudinal and latitudinal lines, with Rawson just over 40 kilometres south of the

Mansfield

Woods Point township which was the epicentre of the magnitude 5.9 earthquake in September 2021.

Victoria’s largest recorded earthquake since record keeping began 200 years ago, the Woods Point earthquake on September 22 was at a depth of 15 kilometres at a previously unknown or ‘blind’ fault line.

The Woods Point fault line lies deep within the earth’s crust without any surface exposure making it difficult

to identify and study.

Well over 1000 aftershocks were recorded after the September 2021 earthquake, which is a normal occurrence due to the release of residue stress on a fault.

Geoscience Australia senior seismologist Jonathan Bathgate confirmed that the most recent tremor was likely to be part of a sequence of quakes dating back to the September 2021 occurrence, with the Rawson earthquake the largest aftershock since.

Numerous residents took to the Facebook Community Noticeboard in the aftermath of the Friday morning earthquake, with many reporting being woken by light to moderate shaking.

Gary Beikoff, a visitor to the Shire, likened the sound of the quake to an airplane flying directly overhead before the sound abruptly ended.

SES Mansfield’s controller Ros Fauvel confirmed that there had been no local reports of injury or damage to infrastructure.

Mansfield Library officially open

By HANNAH KENNELLY

NOT even a temporary blackout could stop Mansfield Library from shining brightly during their official opening.

The refurbished library welcomed a large crowd of bookworms last Wednesday, including Labour MP Shaun Leane, Liberal MP Cindy McLeish, Mayor Cr James Tehan and Mansfield Chief Executive Officer Kirsten Alexander.

Minister Leane said it was

amazing to see how “a small amount of money in a state budget can go such a long way”.

“The library looks so fantastic and that’s a credit to the council here, the library staff, and everyone else involved,” he said

Librarian Justine Shelton thanked the community for their support over the past few months.

“The success of the library’s refurbishments is really evident in the number of visitations we’ve recently had,” she said during her speech.

“It’s been amazing to see the reactions of people when they see the library for the first time.

“The wonderful thing about libraries is that people enter knowing that it’s their space.”

Mansfield CEO Kirsten Alexander also thanked the community and highlighted the efforts of Friends of the Mansfield Library.

Minister for Eildon Cindy McLeish told the Mansfield Courier the library “ticked all the boxes for community members”.

Come

Teams of 8 are the way to go.

We’re

“The children’s space is great fun and inviting, and the fabulous woodwork feature brings warmth to the library,” she said.

“Libraries play such an important role in the local community, and I was glad to see such a high turnout of community members enjoying the new facilities.”

After the speeches concluded, library visitors were treated to morning tea, storytime, live music, and face painting.

LIVE

YOUR LIBRARIANS : Susan Pickworth, Justine Shelton, Rebecca Munro, Debbie Westphalen and Sharyn Howlett. INSET: READY TO READ: Ayshia Beekman and Sarah Hearn.

Wednesday: Showers easing

Temperature: 6-13

Thursday: Showers

Temperature: 6-13

Friday: Showers Temperature: 5-11

Saturday: Showers Temperature: 4-10

Sunday: Showers Temperature: 5-11

Monday: Partly cloudy

Temperature: 5-11

Tuesday: Cloudy Temperature: 3-12

Week to 9am Monday–3.2mm

Month Total (July 2023) –1.8mm

Month Total (July 2022) –17.2mm

YTD Total – 353.1mm

Total (2022) - 977.20mm

Total (2021) – 789.9mm

Total (2020) – 746.6mm

97.4% of capacity 0.66m below full supply level

Inflow: 9,000 megalitres per day

Release: 12,000 megalitres per day

Details courtesy of Goulburn Murray Water

In snow or sunshinePeter Valerio does it all

By HANNAH KENNELLY

PETER Valerio isn’t afraid to try new things.

The Mount Buller event and marketing strategist has tried skiing, downhill mountain biking, ice climbing, painting, and even star-gazing.

But is there one skill he hasn’t yet mastered?

“Fly fishing,” Peter said instantly.

“My younger son and I are attempting to teach ourselves, but we’ve been wildly unsuccessful thus far.

“We are definitely hooked though.”

Peter and his family moved to Mansfield from Byron Bay in 2017, but joked they “weren’t quite locals yet”.

“I’ve heard there are a few parameters around qualifying as a local, so I feel like I’ve still got a long way to go,” he said.

Peter was previously the acting sales and development manager for Mt Buller, but recently transitioned to new role in event and tourism strategy.

With decades of experience in event management and marketing, Peter hoped to bring his love of the night sky to Mt Buller.

“We are looking at collaborating with the Astronomical Society of Victoria and live streaming a powerful telescope to Mt Buller cinemas,” he explained.

“Mt Buller is one of the best viewing points in Australia which is really wonderful.”

A trip to Finland to see the Northern Lights was at the top of Peter’s bucket list.

“I actually missed out on seeing the Aurora Australis a few months ago in Victoria, so I’m really keen to see them.”

While an avid fan of snow and wintery temperatures, Peter

had also spent a fair amount of time in opposite climates.

“I studied tourism and hospitality strategy and management at the University of Hawaii which was really amazing,” he said.

“I used to travel there every year and teach destination marketing and research as well.”

Did Peter have a preference for snow or sunshine?

“I definitely love both, but snow has always been a big part of my life,” he laughed.

“I used to work for Alpine

Tours and oversaw coach tours which would go from Sydney to the New South Wales ski fields.

Peter cited his previous work with the Australian Tourism Commission (now known as Tourism Australia), as one of his proudest accomplishments.

“Myself and several colleagues were the founders of a concept known as destination branding,” he said.

“Being responsible for merging branding with destination marketing is definitely a highlight of my career.”

When he isn’t planning events, Peter loves spending time with his wife Sandy and his four children Harry, Daisy, Freya and Phoenix.

“My daughters are very artistically inclined, but I’m not sure if they get that from me,” he said.

“I have a collection of mostly abstract artwork.

“I like to experiment with bitumen paint – I find the process incredibly therapeutic.”

Sometimes Peter took inspiration from the world around him.

“The scenery in Mansfield is just spectacular,” he said.

“When I moved here, I noticed all the different colours in the sky.

“Sometimes I like to wander out in the afternoon and just look up.”

The Courier is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council. If you believe the standards may have been breached, you may approach the Courier itself or contact

BYRON LIGHT: One of Peter’s paintings.

SNOW SMILES: The snow has always played a big part in Peter’s life.

BYRONLIGHT:OneofPeter’s

Kinder extension on the way

COUNCIL announced that the Mansfield Kindergarten Redevelopment and Mechanics Institute Restoration project is set to commence construction in the coming weeks.

Increased enrolments in line with Mansfield’s growing population have placed the kinder at, or near, 100 per cent capacity and triggered the need for expansion of the kindergarten.

In 2018, the volunteer Committee of Management anticipated this and started preparing for the upgrade

and expansion of the existing facility.

The project is a result of five years of work by the committee, who have worked hard to secure funding from the State Government to enable completion of the detailed design and tender process, in preparation for redevelopment works.

Mayor Cr James Tehan said the project will provide many benefits to the community and council officers have worked closely with the kindergarten committee

on their plans for redevelopment and the restoration of the Mechanics Institute.

“This project is essential to meet the demands of our Shire’s growing population,” he said.

“I would like to thank those who have brought this project to life.

“It’s a testament to the commitment and dedication of everyone involved.

“We look forward to seeing these works commence.”

The project will be delivered in three stages.

Stage 1 will restore the

Mechanics Institute Building for use as an administration space and multi-purpose community space for afterschool and holiday care, playgroup, parent’s group, and general community use outside of kinder hours.

Stage 2 will see a third classroom with associated amenities constructed at the rear of the kinder, and Stage 3 will involve the renovation and modification of the original kindergarten classroom which is now in its 70th year.

The project will deliver the following outcomes:

 Increasing Mansfield Kindergarten’s licensed capacity from 62 to 95 places.

 Delivery of an early childhood education facility that meets current building standards.

 Restoration of the historic Mechanics Institute for future generations to enjoy as a community hub.

The architectural design work and management has been undertaken by Bent Architecture.

Construction will be undertaken by local company Cronin constructions and is

Klytie Pate ceramics award entries now open

THE Klytie Pate Ceramics Award and exhibition is taking place in Mansfield from 15 - 30 September and artists are now invited to enter.

Convened by Arts Mansfield, the Klytie Pate Ceramics Award is a national, biannual award and recognised as a prestigious event.

The Award is open to ceramicists across Australia and carries a major prize of $10,000.

Entries close on July 14, 2023.

An Emerging Artists Award of $1500 will be presented to a new artist with less than five years practising experience.

Visitors to the exhibition will decide the $500 People’s Choice Award through a public ballot.

Gill Belle, President of Arts Mansfield, said the $10,000 prize should attract a diverse range of styles, techniques, and artistic visions.

“The prize and exhibition are now in their fourth year and celebrates the artistry and craftsmanship of Australian ceramics.

“We have been seeing strong visitation to the exhibition along with sales and expecting the trend to continue this year.

“The exhibition is named for Klytie Pate who was a pioneer of Australian ceramics in the 1930s and an innovator in glazing techniques.”

It is the generosity of Klytie Pate’s godson, Dr Will Twycross,

that makes this Award possible.

Dr Twycross is an avid supporter of the arts, and his commitment to honouring Klytie Pate’s legacy is commendable.

His support ensures that artists and art enthusiasts alike can

come together to appreciate and engage with the remarkable ceramics on display. To enter and for more information about the Klytie Pate Ceramics Award, please visit www. artsmansfield.com.au

scheduled for completion by July 2024.

The volunteer Committee of Management gained funding support for this project through the State Government’s Victorian School Building Authority with a contribution of $1,760,676 from the Building Blocks program, Mansfield Shire Council, and the Bendigo Bank Community Fund. Mansfield Kindergarten is a community run, early childhood education provider and is now in its 70th year of operation.

ELEMENTAL: By Greg Daly was popular with visitors in the past.

SCALLOPED: By Kirsten Perry, this was a former Klytie Pate winning entry.

Mansfield Courier price rise

THE Mansfield Courier’s cover price has increased from $1.50 to $2 including GST.

In the last few years there has been a significant increase in the costs associated with producing The Mansfield Courier, especially steep increases in newsprint and freight.

North East Media CEO Edward Higgins said the $2 cover charge brings the Courier’s cost in line with or below other local newspapers in the region.

“We take this opportunity to thank our readers, contributors and advertisers for their ongoing support,” Mr Higgins said.

Digital subscriptions start from just $1 a week and can be purchased by visiting www.mansfieldcourier.com.au

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

MANSFIELD’S squash courts will be demolished to make way for a new residential development. Mansfield Shire Council last week gave approval to an application to build four

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Suburbia change

TREE change in Mansfield is fast becoming suburbia change with paddocks of soulless housing estates approved or planned.

Some old growth trees are getting the chop at an alarming rate to accommodate these developments.

Future generations will never experience the natural

units on the site near the corner of High and Chenery Street.

In other news, Mansfield emergency service workers gathered on Sunday for an incident protocol exercise involving a mock

environment we all take for granted here. Planners, please don’t rip the heart and soul out of Mansfield, it’s too lovely for that.

Mary Parker, Mansfield

No more hardwood beauty

CONGRATULATIONS to the Delatite Winery for recently

crash, subsequent fire and injured motorists. In sport, Mansfield consolidated its position in the GVFL top four on Saturday with a 105-point demolition of an undermanned Tongala.

winning the Commercial Architecture Award at the 2023 Victorian Architecture Awards, as reported in last week’s edition of The Mansfield Courier.

I have visited the cellar door a number of times and, like David Ritchie, I too admire the beauty of the building, in particular the magnificent eucalypt hardwood throughout.

As David rightly points out,

LETTERS to the editor must be signed with the full name, address and contact telephone number of the author provided. Letters under 250 words are preferred and we reserve the right to edit letters to fit in with space requirements. Nom de plumes will only be published at the editor’s discretion. Opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by the Courier.

the building is not only beautiful but is also a showcase of sustainable building practices, including the utilisation of locally-sourced materials.

What a shame then that other businesses, architects and homeowners will no longer be able to follow suit now that production of high-quality Victorian hardwood timber has been abolished.

Peter Scales, Mansfield

Email: edit.mcourier@nemedia.com.au.

Fax: (03) 5775 1580

Post: Letters to the Editor Mansfield Courier, 98 High St, Mansfield 3722.

Way Back Wednesday - a look back at what was making news 20 years ago this week.

ACTION STATIONS: CFA fire fighters John Valcich and Rob Gardiner fight the flames in Sunday’s exercise.

LISTEN UP: Eagles players Peter Turner, Marcus Smith, Jim Hopgood, Tony Cooksey, Adam Mahoney, Con Karanikolis and Matt Storer.

Mansfield’s Swifties swoop

By HANNAH KENNELLY

AS Victorian Taylor Swift fans gear up for the tour of their wildest dreams, the State Government prepares to crack down on anti-scalping laws.

The 12-time grammy award-winning singer recently released her Australian dates for her long-waited Eras tour, with three shows at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and four shows at Sydney’s Accor stadium scheduled for early February.

Nearly four million Australians tried to get their hands on presale tickets last week.

State Government shakes off ticket scalpers p

Mansfield’s Freya Valerio was one of the lucky ones.

“I asked my sister, my mum, my dad, my brother plus my boyfriend to try and help me get tickets,” she laughed.

“We had about eight devices and logged on two hours early.

“My sister finally ended up getting tickets after 40 minutes, but some people waited for hours and hours.”

The 19 year-old has been an avid fan since she was eight years old and said she felt “incredibly lucky to have tickets”.

She hoped the government’s crackdown on ticket scalpers would help ensure fans don’t get ripped off “So many people missed out on tickets, so hopefully these laws will stop fans having to pay $2000 for a ticket.”

Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos recently declared major event status for Swift’s performances at the MCG, in an effort to prevent obscene ticket scalping.

The declaration prevents resellers from advertising tickets for more than 10 per cent above their original value.

Any ticket seller who does not comply with the laws is subjected to penalties ranging from $925 to $554,760.

“By protecting our major events from ticket scalpers, we’re ensuring fans have the best chance possible of seeing their music idols,” Mr Dimopoulos said in a statement.

“Our message to ticket scalpers is clear – don’t sell Taylor Swift tickets at inflated prices, otherwise you will be fined.”

The State Government’s decision comes after reselling platform Viagogo adver-

tised Melbourne tickets for $3114, more than double the price of the most expensive ticket package.

The 3.5 hour Eras Tour is a tribute to Swift’s prodigious musical catalogue, featuring her greatest hits from her 10 studio albums, including last year’s record breaking pop synth album Midnights.

Regular tickets range from $79.90 to $379.90, with VIP packages going up to $1249.90.

Swift will perform at the MCG from February 16 to 18 next year and at Sydney’s Accor Stadium from February 23 to 26.

SWIFT DREAMS: Government’s crackdown will minimise bad blood bewteen scalpers and diehard fans.

North East teenage girl dies in tragic crash

A NORTH East15-YEAR

OLD girl has died after an alleged stolen car she was travelling in, driven by a 14-year-old female, collided with a truck in Locksley last Wednesday morning.

The front passenger of the vehicle died on impact at the scene, while the driver and another passenger, a 12-yearold male, are under police guard in the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, where they were taken with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police said it is believed the 14-year-old female driver was travelling north in a grey Holden Captiva wagon along the Hume Freeway near Alexandersons Road when she collided with the back of a truck travelling in the same direction.

The 45-year-old truck driver from Tabilk was not injured and assisted police with their enquiries.

Acting Superintendent Michael Layton said the wagon was taken from a driveway near Wangaratta before midnight on Tuesday.

“What we’ve been able to ascertain is that the three youths were known to each other, from the North East of Victoria, in and around that Wangaratta region,” Acting Superintendent Layton told reporters at the scene.

He said police believed the

youths were friends, but further details, including where they had travelled and what were they doing, were not yet known and will form part of an ongoing investigation.

“[It is] a life-changing event, unfortunately, for the family of the deceased 15-year-old girl, and also for the families of the other two youths in this incident, where they’re coming to terms with the injuries and

the consequences of what’s occurred,” Acting Superintendent Layton said.

“It’s every parent’s worst nightmare, who might be dealing with rebellious teens and young people.

“This is just a terribly tragic and confronting thing to have occurred.”

He said pending the police investigation, which is around the parameters of “dangerous driving causing

death”, the 14-year-old driver will face consequences appropriate to her age and the circumstances.

Police units had been dispatched to find the vehicle after it was reported as driving erratically earlier in the morning, Acting Superindendent Layton said, but tragically the collision occurred before police were able to intervene.

“It was a difficult and con-

fronting scene for [the truck driver], as it was for all of our emergency services and first responders, and those commuters who stopped to try and do what they could,” he said.

The 14-year-old female driver was airlifted to Royal Children’s Hospital with upper body pain, an Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said, while the 12-year-old male passenger was driven to

the same hospital with minor injuries.

A Royal Children’s Hospital spokesperson said the youths are in a stable condition.

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance.

Anyone with information or dash cam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.

ROAD CLOSED: A stretch of the Hume Freeway from Avenel to further north past Locksley was closed for much of the day following the incident. PHOTOS: Darren Chaitman

TRAGIC: The collision occured on the Hume Freeway near Alexandersons Rd, as the vehicles were travelling north. Police said the car was taken from a driveway near Wangaratta before midnight the previous evening.

PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons

ON THE SCENE: Acting Superintendent Michael Layton told reporters at the scene the incident was “every parent’s worst nightmare”.

Childhood in the snow inspired children’s author Heidi James

By PAM ZIERK-MAHONEY

HEIDI James is a parttime resident of Mt Buller, with her family splitting their time between Melbourne and the mountain.

She and husband Noel Landry (General Manager of Buller Ski Lifts) met on a chairlift at Big White Resort in Canada 30 years ago, and after living in Sydney, Brisbane, Yeppoon and Melbourne they are thrilled to both be back in the alpine country.

Noel is primarily based on Mt Buller.

They are parents of four young adults, and Heidi teaches at a Newport primary school in Melbourne.

A Winter’s Kiss is her first picture story book to be published and is inspired by her own snowy mountain childhood.

Heidi’s first years were spent in Big White ski resort, British Columbia, Canada with her young pioneering parents running a ski lodge, ski school and ski shop.

Heidi said she was “put on ski’s almost before she could walk,” and the “white snowy everywhere was all that she knew.”

Her parents recall of how tentative, as a small child, she had been when she first saw grass because the intense colour green and the texture was so unfamiliar, after long winter months in the snow, is the story that lies at the heart of A Winter’s Kiss.

Although A Winter’s Kiss celebrates winter, it is a love affair with nature, and a whimsical journey through the changing seasons, as experienced through the eyes of a child for the first time.

It has rich vocabulary and themes to unpack.

Heidi says, “part of the pleasure of a picture story book is the reading together, and the conversations, reflections, and connections that flow.

“For me as a mum, this was such a special and cherished time with my own children.”

Heidi’s collaboration with Naya Lazareva is its own story.

Naya is an illustrator based in Ukraine and their creative collaboration was only weeks in the making before Putin marched his soldiers across the border to invade Ukraine, which caused chaos and complete

disruption to Naya’s country, and to life as she knew it.

Naya was heavily pregnant and had to flee to safety.

Her story board sketches for A Winter’s Kiss began in Kyiv, and her watercolour illustrations slowly emerged over months, as she found her feet as a new mum, and as a refugee in Germany.

Heidi worried endlessly for her, and her family and their country, and that in the face of war the project may seem irrelevant, but Naya always said, ‘that Dawn’s joyful spirit (character in A Winter’s Kiss) was such a welcome escape from what was happening to her country.’

For Heidi the story of Ukraine is now, forever entwined with the creating of A Winter’s Kiss.

Heidi hopes A Winter’s Kiss will inspire readers, young and old, to go outside whatever the weather - and to notice, enjoy and feel empathy for our natural world.

Shop local

In Mansfield, the book is available at the Ink Bookshop, Merrijig Motor Inn (shop) and Mirimbah Cafe shop.

mansfield.vic.gov.au

The upcoming scheduled Council meeting is Tuesday 18 July 2023 at 5pm and will be held online. Go to the events section on our website for information about how to observe the meeting or contact Customer Service on 5775 8555.

Council's municipal office at 33 Highett Street, Mansfield, is open 8.30am-4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Council has worked with the Woods Point Progress Association (WPPA) to have new play equipment installed in at the Woods Point Playground. The installation of a new slide was included in the budget in response to community feedback on the need for improvements to the playground.

Imagination Play will supply and install the slide on 10 July with works expected to take 2 days (subject to weather conditions). During this time the playground will not be accessible.

Kirsten Alexander, Chief Executive Officer

Councillors: Cr

High Country, Lakes and Rivers

Upgrades to the Mansfield Tennis Club Playground on Elvins Street are now complete and ready for play!

Works involved increasing the size of the playground area and installing a new seesaw and monkey bar set. Tree trimming and removal also took place.

James Tehan (Mayor), Cr Steve Rabie (Deputy Mayor), Cr Paul Sladdin, Cr Mark Holcombe, Cr Rohan Webb

SNOW INSPRIATION: First time children’s author Heidi James is very comfortable in the snow having grown up in British columbia ski resorts.

Rotary welcomes new president

By PAM ZIERK-MAHONEY

IT was a night of nights for the Rotary Club of Mansfield last Wednesday when more than 40 Rotarians and guests attended the 56th changeover of presidents at the Mansfield Golf Club.

The evening started with the annual general meeting which saw District Governor David McPherson giving a short welcome and praise to the club for its achievements over the past 12 months in particular.

“Rotary is the largest organisation in Australia that supports medical research a support program which includes some $50million each year for the Polio vaccination project world-wide,” DG McPherson said.

“Polio is expected to be the second disease to be eradicated around the world, much praise goes to Rotary Clubs word-wide for helping to make this happen.”

DG McPherson said Rotary is not just about fellowship and community, but it also allows individuals’ passions for projects they may be involved in, to be achieved.

During the meeting a memorial candle was lit in memory of two members that passed during the year –Peter Hunt and Greg Wilder.

Outgoing president, Cathy Croughan gave her report and thanked her fellow Rotarians for their support and confidence in appointing her as president – now some three years ago as due to the COVID pandemic there had not been a changeover since 2021.

“It was with some trepidation and excitement that I took on the role as president, but it has been a wonderful two years and I have grown and learned so much

in that time,” she said.

Ms Croughan outlined some of the projects the club had participated in including supporting exchange students both outgoing and incoming.

She announced that reports from the current exchange student, now in Germany, was doing well (and teaching English), that another student had been selected to commence 12

months exchange starting early next year and that a new incoming student will arrive from Denmark in July.

Two projects that will be ongoing during the coming year will be the maintenance program at the Mansfield cemetery and a trip to Alice Springs to spend a week at the Purple House project, which the club supports.

Purple House is an innovative Indigenous-owned and

run health service operating from its base in Alice Springs in the Northern Territory.

Now operating 18 remote clinics and a mobile dialysis unit called the Purple Truck, Purple House is getting patients back home so that families and culture can remain strong.

Incoming president Bob Prosser, after being installed, thanked Ms Croughan for the excellent

leadership, along with her board of directors, over her term in office.

A new banner for Rotarians was unfurled “Create Hope in the World” – the theme set by the Rotary International president, for the coming year world-wide.

President Prosser said he would like to add to that theme” Create Hope in Mansfield” as he outlined the need for more workers

due to a shortage of staff for many businesses and giving hope to the younger generations coming through to give them insight and inspiration to fulfill their dreams.

He also said his aim was to increase the number of members in Mansfield – to gain an additional seven people to join Rotary – the first of which will be inducted at the next meeting.

A new project which the club will also support is “Life’s Little Treasures Foundation” – a program specifically supporting premature babies.

Following the induction several awards were presented.

The first was the Doug Gray Service Award, presented by Gwen Gray to Beryl Jolly.

The second award, and this is an honored award through all Rotary Clubs, the Paul Harris Fellowship, this year went to Robyn Bassanelli for her continued membership and support over many years; presented by Chris Edwards.

During the evening $500 was presented to DG McPherson, by Pam ZierkMahoney on behalf of the ‘Maindample Whistle Stop’ rest station on the rail trail, to be included in the fundraising for the Wheelchair for Kids project which Lily and Liam McPherson (DG’s children) took on last year as an additional Deniliquin Rotary Club project.

Mansfield Rotary Club has also donated to this project.

The Wheelchair for Kids program is centred out of Western Australia – Perth Rotary Club which builds and supplies adjustable wheelchairs for disabled children in third world countries.

INDUCTED: Rotarian Bob Prosser (right) was inducted into the role of president of the Rotary Club of Mansfield last week, being congratulated by District Governor David McPherson. PHOTOS: Pam Zierk-Mahoney

SERVICE AWARD: The Doug Gray Memorial Service Award this year went to Beryl Jolly (right) and was presented by Gwen Gray.

TOP FELLOWSHIP: The Paul Harris Fellowship award was presented to Robyn Bassanelli by fellow Rotarian Chris Edward last week for her ongoing support and work within Rotary.

Aequales chamber music ensemble to perform again in Mansfield

MANSFIELD Shire Council and Rural Australians for Refugees Mansfield are delighted to announce that the Aequales Chamber Music Ensemble will perform in Mansfield at the Performing Arts Centre on Sunday, July 30 at 4.00pm in response to many requests for this group to return.

This will be the third time Aequales have performed in Mansfield over the last eight years.

When they previously performed the group had one violinist Edwina Kayser.

A second violinist will join them for the performance in Mansfield.

Meredith Thomas violinist is currently performing in Europe

and will return the week before the concert in Mansfield.

Meredith will perform with Aequales in Melbourne and Mansfield.

The performance will open with the Mozart Piano Concerto No 14 in E Flat.

Mozart wrote this concerto to play at concerts in Vienna with an orchestra small enough to fit into his father’s living room.

It was Mozart’s most popular work with Vienna audiences.

The second work to be played will be the Brahms Piano Quintet in F minor Opus 34.

Mansfield audiences have requested that Brahms be performed, and this work is the most loved and powerful of this composer’s music.

An Art and Poetry Competition for Mansfield School Students will be run in conjunction with this performance with the winners to be announced prior to the concert.

The winning art works will be displayed in the foyer of the PAC and the winners of the poetry competition will recite their poems prior to the concert.

Refreshments will be served following the performance to enable the audience to meet the artists.

Rural Australians for Refugees and the Mansfield Shire Council are sponsoring this event.

Bookings for this event are via TryBooking.

Man caught working as escort while on Workcover

A 44-YEAR-OLD man has pled guilty to fraudulently claiming thousands of dollars in the Mansfield Magistrates Court last month after working in multiple positions while on Workcover payments.

He was employed as a casual service technician and reported that he had received a back injury in March 2020, lodging a Workcover claim.

The man had his claim approved and received weekly payments from May of 2020, ceasing in December 2021.

In July of 2021, the man and his partner accepted a housekeeping position, being able to live on the property they were working on.

The man worked every day, bar two, until August of 2021, collecting payments and not informing his employer of the previous injury.

The man also casually cleaned a warehouse on two occasions and was employed at a resort from November of 2021 as an “all-rounder”.

He worked as an escort during this time collecting payments to his

bank account from clients.

While on Workcover, the man attended numerous doctors’ appointments and examinations where he stated he had not returned to work.

In total, the man received $74,744 in payments from his Workcover provider, with just under $15,000 earnt while working.

In November 2021, Worksafe received an anonymous allegation that the man had returned to work while still receiving payments.

It opened an investigation and

$15,000

found evidence of the man receiving payment for work while on Workcover.

In the Mansfield Magistrates Court, the defence argued the man was in a particularly stressful period of his life, being involved in a negative relationship and as a consequence, he became a habitual gambler and encountered a number of financial issues.

The man re-entered employment in 2019 to “get his life back on track” with efforts disrupted when he was

injured in 2020, falling back into his old ways.

Since the allegations were made and Workcover started its investigation, the man has been sober and has not gambled and has continued to maintain full-time employment beyond this.

The case was deferred to Shepparton where the magistrate convicted the man and placed him on an 18-month community corrections order with 200 hours of unpaid community work.

COMING SOON: Sarah Cuming, cello, Edwina Kayser, violin, Danny Neumann, viola and Damien Mansfield, piano.

Funding for community groups through FRRR

IN the latest round of Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal grants, four shire community organisations have secured funding.

A total of $434,121 was awarded nationwide to 44 groups that support COVID-19 recovery, disaster resilience and recovery, and other vital community needs.

Mansfield Adult Continuing Education (MACE) received $10,000 to install a drop ceiling in the centre’s community shed, as well as a split system to improve the amenity of the space and create a more climate controlled environment.

Mansfield Let’s Talk was given $2,500 in funding to provide mental health first aid training for 20 community members.

Mansfield residents dismayed by AusNet tree chop

By HANNAH KENNELLY

THE English Oak tree on the corner of Highett Street Mansfield has always been a staple of Janet Phipps’ home.

However, last Tuesday the Mansfield resident returned home from work to find the tree had been pruned by AusNet Services, leaving the oak “deformed and awful-looking”.

Janet said she was “utterly heartbroken”.

“The tree is at least 70 to 80 years old, but now it is probably going to die,” she said.

“I absolutely understand that trees need to be pruned to maintain a safe distance from powerlines, but why so drastic?

“The tree has been pruned many times, but it looks like someone has hacked at it.”

Janet said she did not receive any notice from AusNet and said a large pile of branches and leaves remained outside her property for several days.

“Usually someone comes by the next day to clear up the mess, but that didn’t happen.

“It’s just really frustrating.”

A spokesperson from AusNet confirmed they notified Mansfield Shire Council of the pruning, as the tree was a “council owned asset”.

“When determining clearance space a number of factors are considered including whether the location is in a low

or high bushfire risk area, the length of the span, the type of conductors, and what voltage they carry,” AusNet said.

“In addition to the clearance space, we’re also required to trim an additional distance to account for regrowth between pruning cycles.”

AusNet confirmed the branches outside Ms Phipps’ home were collected last Thursday.

“The normal time for clearing of cut debris is 48 hours, but this can at times be impacted by inclement weather,” they said.

Field Service Manager Ari Croxford-Demasi said Council had received feedback from the community regarding powerline clearance pruning conduct-

ed by AusNet services and their contactors.

“As Council undertakes street tree replacements and new plantings, careful consideration is given to selecting a tree species that is suitable for a location that may exist near powerlines, and other utility assets,” he said.

“Although we understand that AusNet needs to undertake pruning from a powerline clearance and safety perspective to protect critical electrical infrastructure, Council officers will work with AusNet Services to see how we can address the community feedback and ensure that all future tree planting sustainably enhances our streetscapes.”

Whilst the Bonnie Doon Community Centre received $20,000 to create a local museum to house the small township’s history.

The money will be used to relocate an historic house (Billy’s House) to a prominent community precinct.

The grant for this endeavour was under bushfire recovery funding, creating connection to place and boosting visitation to the region.

And to provide emergency evacuation support along with an additional transport option, Mansfield Autism Statewide Service was given $25,000 to purchase a 12-seater bus for their Ogilvies Road location.

Jill Karena, Place Portfolio Lead at FRRR, said it is truly inspiring to see the determination and resilience of community groups and local leaders, who continue to front up and strive for a stronger, and sustainable, rural Australia.

“In this round of SRC grants, we’ve seen a shift in project focus, with a significant increase in initiatives that address the wellbeing and sustainability of community organisations.

“The majority of these grants are for practical, infrastructure-related projects that will enable local groups in rural places to continue to provide vital services, and ensure community spaces are safe, secure and welcoming.”

CHOPPED: Oak tree cops a cut.

DEBRIS: Leftover leaves and branches.

Little goats, but big dreams

By EMMA OLIVER

ED and Vickie van der Hoeven moved to Australia over two decades ago with dreams of offering on-farm luxury accommodation in the High Country.

The resulting BullerRoo Luxury Farmstay overlooking the Barwite Valley is a testament to their vision.

The establishment of BullerRoo Pygmy Goat Stud however is an added bonus.

What started off as a few goats in a paddock has evolved into an independent enterprise and a lifetime passion for the van der Hoevens.

It was back in Holland that Ed began his farming journey, volunteering at a kinder Boerderij, a farm that caters for local children, allowing them to visit and engage in farm activities and chores.

Wanting to gain first-hand knowledge of livestock handling, Ed volunteered hoping to develop some skills that would set him in good stead when backpacking around Australia.

“The plan was to visit on a working-holiday visa and work in agriculture,” he said.

“And I thought this farm –which gave me a general understanding of the industry - would provide a good segue into agriculture.”

Ed worked there for two years before visiting Australia, however it was the dream of opening up a hostel or some other type of accommodation down under that would soon replace his farming aspirations.

BullerRoo has become the happy amalgamation of these two dreams.

“At the farm in Holland, there were goats, pigs and ponies (amongst other farmyard animals) and for every animal there was a measureable cuddle factor,” he said

“Goats would consistently sit there at the top of the ladder for cuddle factor, and for cuteness.

“Lots of children love goats.”

And Ed loved goats, so when the van der Hoevens emigrated and began to set their plan in motion - buying

a rural block picturesquely set in the foothills of the Tolmie plateau - goats became part of the natural progression.

At this stage, the 24 acre block was a neglected paddock with two or three remnant trees, a quarry’s-worth of rocks and very little else, and so would begin the labour of love that has become the lauded and awarded BullerRoo, a luxury farm stay with a pygmy goat stud thrown into the equation.

When the van der Hoeven’s first started their farm stay in 2017, the BullerRoo goats were boer goats.

“Back then they were primarily dual-purpose, in that we used them to clear up the block and also as a source of meat,” said Ed

“However as we moved towards becoming a farmstay they became that point of difference – an additional attraction for our guests.”

It was at this stage that the couple began to wonder if there was a more appropriate breed for their familyfriendly accommodation.

“Boer goats were just too big for some of our smaller guests,” said Ed.

“So when we were introduced to Pygmy goats, they just seemed the perfect fit.

“In 2017, as well as opening up for business, we also bought our first Pygmy goat.”

What originally began as part of the farm-stay experience rapidly became an independent enterprise for the couple.

Driven by a love of these pint-sized caprine with their good-natured and friendly temperaments, Vickie and Ed decided in 2020 to become a stud and BullerRoo Pygmy Goats was born.

This year 2023, will be their fourth kidding season with the van der Hoevens

running a foundation herd of 27 which includes two whole males and three wethers.

The females – which predominantly have miniature goat and Pygmy geneticskid down about 30 over a period of three months.

The three months is more of a rough guide as Ed always likes to have some young goats on site for the guests, staggering a small amount of pregnancies to allow for some later births.

“We’re running at 100 per cent pregnancy rate, so we’re very happy with our current buck,” said Ed.

Standing at a diminutive 42 centimetres at the withers, Trinity Roger Moore is the stud buck.

Adult Pygmy goats range in height from between 41 and 58 centimetres, making the two and a half year old buck on the shorter side of

the scale which is ideal for BullerRoo’s breeding goals.

However what he lacks in height he certainly makes up for in virility, with the 100 per cent Pygmy sire entering his second year of breeding.

Trinity Roger Moore is Trinity Stud progeny, purchased in December 2021 from Paul Hamilton.

Owner of the Trinity Stud in Berwick and founder of the NPGAA (National Pygmy Goats Association Australia) it was Paul Hamilton who first imported and introduced Pygmy genetics into Australia under his business Semtech, implanting embryos into Boer goats and miniatures as the initial carriers.

With the short legs and head characteristic of the breed, Trinity Roger Moore at 100 per cent Pygmy exemplifies the breed with his stocky well-muscled body, broad forehead, wide-set eyes, erect ears and a nose that is short, wide and flat.

He also sports quite an impressive beard and flowing mane.

A striking little chap, the van der Hoevens recently entered him into an online Australian goat show, hosted by National Pygmy Goats America.

Judged in America by American judges who are experts on the breed, the virtual competition was an interesting exercise for the stud as Australian Pygmy goats are slightly different from their American counterparts.

“Our handsome gentleman took out second place in the competition,” said Ed proudly.

“The conformation is all there, however American breeders favour seven specific colourations, which vary from some of the Pygmies we breed in Australia.”

The breed originates in West Africa however it is only in the States that restrictions on colourings and coat patterns exist.

“My personal goal is to breed a variety of Pygmies, some with specific colours, others with moon spots or stripes,” he said.

“Everybody has their own

personal preference, and I want to breed a mixture to cater for most tastes.”

Trinity Roger Moore for instance is a grey-toned agouti, a type of fur coloration in which each hair displays two or more bands of pigmentation.

“He recently gave us three beautiful little kids – two girls and a boy,” said Ed.

“The girls are the first agouti females in the herd and we’re thrilled.

“Another of my favourite breeding dams has a sheltiestyle coat, and I aspire to one day breed a Pygmy that is over 90 per cent and also sheltie.”

This year BullerRoo is expecting to welcome their first 78.125 per cent farmbred Pygmies, with the end of October marking the traditional beginning of their kidding season, after a five month gestation.

This year’s batch of kids will all have names inspired by Harry Potter, with birthing paddocks all allocated a ‘house’ from the series.

“Last year it was Quentin Tarantino movies,” said Ed.

“And this year our daughter Tasmin chose the theme.”

Along with giving the goats names from popular culture, the van der Hoevens also host an Instagram account BullerRoo Pygmy Goats.

Initially horrified by the idea, Ed has since embraced the medium and regularly posts updates of dressedup goats marking seasonal celebrations to a catchy soundtrack.

“I used to be confused by the whole concept of dressing up animals, but I went into Kmart one day, and left after having purchased a Christmas costume for one of the goats, and I’ve been hooked ever since,” Ed said with a laugh.

“People love it, and we’ve gathered quite a following.”

It’s a following that extends to many of the van der Hoeven’s endeavours, as they embrace everything from breeding Pygmy goats to delivering a five star farmstay experience right here in the High Country.

STUD OWNERS: Ed and Vickie van der Hoeven are BullerRoo Pygmy Goat Stud, an enterprise that developed from a love of goats and a desire to be a working farm into a stand-alone enterprise with high aspirations.

New booking system for Eildon campsites

BOOKINGS for some of Victoria’s most popular campsites open for the 2023-24 season this week.

From stunning beachside retreats to the cool of our local mountains, to near-desert, bookings in parks across Victoria for dates from September 2023 - 6 October 2024 are now open from this week.

As part of an upgraded online booking system, Parks Victoria has removed ballots from the last remaining balloted campground in the state. This means campers can now book every bookable campground across Victoria instantly with no need to wait to hear if a ballot application was successful or not. Local campsites include Devils Cove, Candlebark, Lakeside, Mountaineer, O’Toole Flat, Coopers Point, Taylors

Creek or Jerusalem Creek Campground all around Lake Eildon.

The enhanced online booking system was made with a $1.4 million from the Victorian Government as part of the $106.6 million Victoria’s Great Outdoors program.

As part of the program, Parks Victoria has halved campsite fees at every bookable campground across Victoria, with more than 50,000 camping bookings made last summer - a 20 per cent increase compared to the summer before the program began.

Victoria’s Great Outdoors is also funding the construction of new and upgraded campgrounds across the state, as well as improvements to iconic 4WD routes in the High Country.

“From Wilson’s Promontory

to the banks of the Murray and from the Glenelg to the Alps, Parks Victoria has an incredible range of campsites offering an unbeatable experience in nature,” said Parks Victoria Executive Director Visitor Experience Lisa Patroni.

“More and more people are exploring our parks through camping across Victoria, and we’re upgrading and building more campgrounds so even more of us can connect with nature.

“We’re really excited to welcome visitors to our bookable campsites over the next 15 months and we hope they’ll enjoy the experience.”

More information and full instructions on how to book are available on the Parks Victoria website at: www.parks. vic.gov.au/where-to-stay/booking-information

Helping Victorians in need access power saving bonus

THE Power Saving Bonus Community Outreach Program has helped more than 50,000 Victorians minimise their energy costs and submit an application for the $250 payment in just three months.

More than 1.5 million households have applied for the $250 Power Saving Bonus since the current fourth round of the program opened on March 24. Households experienc-

ing difficulty paying their energy bills can also access the Victorian Government’s Energy Assistance Program, a free service connecting them with one-on-one assistance.

The $3.75 million initiative helps Victorians struggling with power bills to apply for eligible grants and concessions, find and switch to better offers.

on Friday announced the significant milestone in helping Victorians access the valuable cost-of-living support payment and advice, and thanked Community Outreach Partners.

gram,” Ms D’Ambosio said.

“It is vital Victorians from all walks of life get the support they need.

Power Saving Bonus.

It provides access to services with over-the-phone support and in-person support at more than 300 sites state-wide, including 159 regional sites.

Support Victoria, Consumer Action Law Centre, Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria, Good Shepherd, State Trustees and Neighbourhood Houses Victoria.

Minister for Energy and Resources

Lily D’Ambrosio

“We understand Victorians are under cost-of-living pressure right now and are so pleased 50,000 community members have been able to access the $250 Power Saving Bonus through our Community Outreach Pro-

AEQUALES CHAMBER MUSIC QUINTET MANSFIELD PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

SUNDAY, JULY 30, 2023 AT 4 00PM

Performing Brahms Piano Quintet in F Minor Opus 34 and

Mozart Piano Concerto No14 in E Flat K 449

The New Horizons’ Art and Poetry Awards for Students will be announced during the performance and entries displayed in the foyer of the PAC.

Refreshments will be served following the performance

Booking: Try Bookings Aequales Chamber Music Mansfield

Adults: $30 00

Students $15 00

Proceeds in aid of Rural Australians for Refugees Mansfield

“We’re also helping Victorians get the best energy deals and assistance to access applicable concessions through the Energy Assistance Program.”

The Community Outreach Program supports households who have no internet or are experiencing vulnerability to apply for the $250

CALLING

Community Outreach Partners include Anglicare Victoria, Bendigo Community Health Services, Brotherhood of St Laurence and their partners GV Community Energy and Uniting, Community Information &

STUDENT ARTISTS

To access the $250 Power Saving Bonus, go to the Victorian Energy Compare website at: compare.energy.vic.gov.au or call 1800 000 832.

To speak to an Energy Assistance Program advocate call 1800 161 215.

Describe your ‘New Horizons’

A MANSFIELD RURAL AUSTRALIANS FOR REFUGEES INITIATIVE ENTRIES ARE FREE

Senior and Junior Sections for both Art and Poetry

Junior – Primary School level – 6 to 11/12 years old.

Senior – Secondary School level – 12/13 to 17 years old. Cash prizes for Best Content/Concept and Best Technique in each Section Entries to be left at MACE by 23 July 2023.

Artworks to be exhibited in foyer of Performing Arts Centre at Aequales Concert on July 30. Winning Poetry will be recited prior to concert by the author or by nominated reader.

Art – Drawing, painting or printmaking on paper or canvas

Size – no larger that A3 (42cm x 30cm). Any medium including pencil, crayon, paint, printing ink Presentation – works on paper should be on firm backing such as cardboard Works on canvas should be prepared ready for hanging Poetry – sonnets, lyric, ode, narrative, free verse etc Poetry comes in many shapes and sizes. Participants may use whatever poetry style they choose. There is no word limit but there is a maximum limit of 20 verses.

Flyers with Entry Forms available at MACE and Mansfield and District Schools

Enquiries – Liz Bannister - 0427030510

THE GREAT OUTDOORS: Book online for Parks Victoria campsites now.

North East regional news in brief

Strathbogie

Shire council continues to struggle

FOLLOWING the resignation of Dave Andrews from his role as Strathbogie Shire councillor earlier this month, candidates Paul Ayton and Robin Weatherald are in the running to fill the vacancy that now exists in the Lake Nagambie ward.

Past vote counts indicate Mr Ayton, along with controversial former councillor Mr Weatherald, are the only remaining candidates who could be asked to fill the vacancy following the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC)’s countback that will be conducted in July.

Alos prompted by the resignation of the councillor, Strathbogie Shire councillors last week voiced concerns over their future.

At last week’s ordinary council meeting, Cr Reg Dickinson was emotional in noting the resignation of his fellow Nagambie ward councillor Dave Andrews, telling colleagues “we may well be sacked”, referring to the prospect that municipal monitor Peter Stephenson could recommend terminating the employment of councillors to the minister for local government.

“I really find this a really sad time, actually – I’m quite emotionally affected by what’s happened here,” Cr Dickinson said with emotion in his voice.

“I don’t think there’s a person in this room who hasn’t been under stress of

one kind or another in the last 12 months or more, and we’re in a lot of trouble as a council.

Mt Hotham’s ski lifts raise $157,000

ICONIC pieces of Mt Hotham’s ski lift history have helped raise almost $157,000 for local charities.

Some 57 chairs from the mountain’s first ever chairlift - The Playground Chair - went under the hammer during June in a charity auction to support the local community, youth and environment initiatives through Hotham’s EpicPromise Foundation.

Community spirits were high at the auction event on opening weekend at The Bird, with John and Lachlan Castran of Castran Real

Estate auctioning off 27 of the chairs to the Hotham community, raising $75,800.

The remaining 30 chairs from the two-seater lift that opened in 1969 and was the main access lift back to the village until 1993 when the Village Chair opened were auctioned online and raised an additional $81,012 - bringing the grand total to $156,812.

Construction on Benalla dog park

BENALLA Rural City Council said they are thrilled to announce that construction is due to begin on the highly anticipated Churchill Reserve Dog Park. This enclosed offleash dog park has been made possible through community engagement

and stakeholder consultation, to choose the preferred location for a dog park facility in Benalla.

Mayor of Benalla Rural City, Cr Bernie Hearn, expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort that led to the creation.

The approved design includes perimeter fencing, two airlock-style gates for safe entry and exit, three bench seats being donated by the Lions Club of Benalla and Benalla Men’s Shed, a water station with a dog water bowl underneath, and two tunnel and mound constructions to enhance the dogs’ sensory experience.

Wodonga armed robbery

POLICE are searching for four offenders

Disabled Winterspors’s new hub at Falls Creek

IN a major boost to increasing snow sports access to people of all abilities, Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA) has opened a new hub in the heart of Falls Creek village. With the assistance and support of Falls Creek Alpine Resort, DWA officially opened its new home in Falls Creek’s Slalom Plaza last weekend.

DWA president, Melinda Brown, said the facility will not only serve as a central meeting point for DWA members and volunteers but also significantly enhance the organisation’s visibility within the resort.

following an attempted armed robbery in Wodonga last Thursday.

It is understood a 43-yearold Thurgoona man was walking back to his car on Vermont Street, when he was approached by four people.

The group threatened him with a knife, demanding cash and property

The victim escaped uninjured and ran back to a nearby hospital on Vermont Street for help.

The four offenders fled empty-handed and were last seen running through Martin Park.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au

Tower upgrade complete at Harrietville

HARRIETVILLE residents should be seeing a big improvement to their internet and mobile coverage, with upgrades to the Telstra mobile base station in early June bringing 5G to the area for the first time.

Resident John Atkins said he has certainly noticed an improvement.

Mr Atkins said while the upgrade is good, it would have been helpful for local business to be able to access a temporary tower while the works were underway.

Regional general manager for Telstra in Victoria, Jenny Gray, said the full upgrade has been completed at the Great Alpine Road station.

ICONIC INTEREST: Brendan Canavan and Sarah Curtin admire one of the chairs up for auction.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Which tradesperson makes barrels, etc (6)

7 Name the capital of the United Arab Emirates (3,5)

8 What was an earlier term for silver (6)

9 Which electrodes emit negative ions (8)

10 Name a clasp or ornament for pinning on a dress, or the like (6)

11 To convert plain language into cipher, one does what to it (8)

14 Which term describes persons of learning (8)

18 To carve a figure, one does what (6)

19 Name a highly explosive nitroglycerine mixture (8)

21 Which other term describes a cashier (6)

22 What might we call a person forsaken or abandoned by society (8)

23 What describes an aggregate of nations (6)

DOWN

1 Name another term for bedrooms (8)

2 Name the small rubberheaded hammer used by doctors (6)

3 What are the toothed bars with which pawls engage (8)

4 Which circular tent is made of felt or skins (4)

5 What describes an idea that has not yet been proved (6)

6 What is a visible or tangible thing (6)

12 Name a particular type of tape recorder (8)

13 Which rich sweet white table wine may be produced near Bordeaux, France (8)

Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

SUDOKU

PDIESI RITSCO EALINN YSCEET YLPEED

Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.

15 Name a colourless, odourless, gaseous element (6)

16 What is paradise also known as (6)

17 Name an alternative term for hessian or gunny (6)

20 Who is the Egyptian goddess of fertility and nature (4)

WHICH WORDS

1 TRILBY

QUICK THINK

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

2

(a) Lacking precision (b) Pettily self-complacent

(c) Saying farewell

BIYWORD

Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.

CLUES:

Core (3)

Cover up (7)

Darling (coll) (5)

Dirties (5)

Fourth note (3)

More juicy (7)

Nevertheless (3)

Past participle: bless

Posed

Theft

SOLUTIONS

Change in the wind for small businsses

NEW instant asset write-off thresholds, updated tax rules, increased superannuation payments and a rise in the minimum wage are among changes coming into effect on July 1.

Bruce Billson, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, said it’s essential that small business owners and managers understand the changes.

“They should check their

payroll and accounting systems have been updated and they should talk to trusted advisers like accountants and bookkeepers,” he said.

“With so many pressures on busy small business leaders as

we near the end of the financial year it can be easy to overlook new and changing rules.

“However, there are significant changes that cannot be put aside.”

■ Continued page 19

CHANGES IN THE WIND: Small businesses need to be mindful of a number of changes from July 1.

MANSFIELD PROFESSIONAL GROUP

Some of the changes are:

■ From page 18

Instant asset write-off:

Threshold will be $20,000 on a per asset basis for 12 months from July 1 for eligible small businesses with a turnover up to $10 million.

From July 1, assets valued at more than $20,000 (which cannot be immediately deducted) can be placed into the small business simplified depreciation pool and depreciated at 15% in the first income year and 30% each income year thereafter.

Small businesses have until June 30 to use the 20% tax deduction for investing in digital operations such as new equipment like technology, cloud-computing, eInvoicing or cyber security.

The technology investment boost will apply to investments made between March 29, 2022 and June 30, 2023 but to be eligible the item must be first used or installed ready for use by June 30.

For more information; https://www.ato.gov.au/ Business/Income-anddeductions-for-business/ Deductions/Small-businesstechnology

Small Business Energy Incentive

A tax incentive worth up to $20,000 will provide an additional 20 per cent depreciation for eligible assets that support electrification and more efficient use of energy by small businesses.

The bonus will be provided to businesses with an annual turnover of less than $50 million and is aimed at

helping them save on energy bills by making investments like electrifying their heating and cooling systems, upgrading to more efficient fridges and induction cooktops, and installing batteries and heat pumps.

Super Guarantee

The super guarantee (SG) rate will increase from 10.5% to 11% for all employees eligible to receive superannuation.

Small business owners will need to use the new rate to calculate super on payments made to employees on or after July 1, even if some or all of the pay period is for work done before July 1.

The SG rate is legislated to increase to 12% by 2025.

For more information: https://www.ato.gov. au/business/super-foremployers/paying-supercontributions/how-muchsuper-to-pay/

National Minimum Wage and Award Rate

The National Minimum Wage will increase to $882.80 per week, or $23.23 per hour.

Award rates of pay will increase by 5.75%.

Both changes are effective from the first full pay period starting on or after July 1 and more information is available on the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/ newsroom/news/awr-2023

PAYG & GST uplift rate

The Australian Government will reduce the PAYG and GST uplift on quarterly payments from what would have been

12% to 6% for the 2023-24 income year in a move that should help assist cash flow for small businesses.

Single Touch Payroll

Employers are required to finalise employees’ Single Touch Payroll data by July 14.

The Australian Tax Office advises small business owners to double check they are finalising STP data for the 2022-23 financial year.

It also says employers are required to report pay as you go (PAYG) withholding information every time they pay employees through Single Touch Payroll.

From July 1 these amounts reported through STP will be used to pre-fill labels W1 and W2 in activity statements in ATO online services.

More information: https:// www.ato.gov.au/Business/ Single-Touch-Payroll/ATOPAYG-withholding-pre-fillfor-activity-statements/

Paid Parental Leave scheme

The entitlement of 18 weeks’ paid parental leave pay will be combined with the Dad and Partner Pay entitlement of two weeks’ pay.

This means partnered couples will be able to claim up to 20 weeks’ paid parental leave between them.

Parents who are single at the time of their claim can access the full 20 weeks.

These changes affect employees whose baby is born or placed in their care on or after July 1.

For more information: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/ newsroom/news/changesto-the-paid-parental-leavescheme 2023

Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold

The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) will increase from $53,900 to $70,000.

This applies to employers who wish to nominate workers for subclass 482, 186 and 187 visas and they must meet certain salary and employment condition requirements to ensure overseas workers are paid no less than an Australian worker doing the same work in the same location, known as the annual market salary rate (AMSR).

Tax checklist

The end of the financial year (EOFY) is an important time for your business.

You’ll need to complete bookkeeping, tax returns and plan for the new financial year. Use this checklist to prepare, get your business organised and work smarter in the year ahead.

Some of the yearly tasks you need to do as a small business owner may include:

able to claim deductions if your business:

 has set up a website

 has motor vehicle expenses

fit and loss statement

 a summary of your income and expenses in a pro

 conducting a stocktake

 collating records of asset purchases or expenditure on improvements (to calculate depreciation expense claims and for capital gains tax)

 completing and lodging your income tax returns

 lodging yearly reports or returns for different tax types such as:

 pay as you go (PAYG) withholding, including

finalising income statements for Single Touch Payroll

 fringe benefits tax (FBT)

 goods and services tax (GST).

 meeting superannuation requirements

 making digital copies of any paper records and backing them up.

You can claim deductions for most business expenses, as long as they directly relate to earning your income.

For example, you may be

 uses diesel fuel

 operates at home

 has travel expenses

 uses machinery, tools or computers.

You must have records to prove the expenses that you claim as business deductions.

If you’re a sole trader, you can use the ATO app’s myDeductions tool to record your business income and expenses during the year.

A more in-depth checklist is available at: https:// business.gov.au/finance/ yearly-financial-tasks/end-of-

financial-year-checklist

The Tax Office also provides a Tax Time Tool Kit to assist small business to prepare their tax returns, which includes a directory of links to find information, tools, calculators and other support and resources: www. ato.gov.au

WHAT’S ON CALENDAR

Regular Events:

 CWA Monthly meetings: 4th Wednesday Evening or Sunday afternoon (alternating each month: March –Wed).

 CWA Craft Days: Wednesday‘s 10am and last Thursday evening of the month at 6pm.

 CWA Op shop open: most days from 10am to 2pm.

 JUSTICE of the Peace Services

– Every Thursday, Mansfield Police Station. 10am to 1pm for witnessing and signing of documents.

 Lima South Old Time Dance: At Lima South Hall the second Sunday of each month between 1pm and 5pm. Entry $10. Music provided by The Ramblers. Please bring a plate of afternoon tea to share. All welcome. Contact: 0425868277.

 Mansfield Croquet Club – Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9am till 12 noon, Lord‘s Reserve, Cnr Victoria and Apollo Streets. Playing equipment available, $2 per session.

 Mansfield Multicultural Group

– Every second Tuesday of the month at 6pm at MACE.

 Monday Mingle – Every Monday – organised by the Bonnie Doon Community Centre – chat and make new friends – new theme each week. BYO ideas for activities – all ages and abilities

 Mansfield support group for carers and people with special needs – morning coffee, third Tuesday of the month, 9.30am The Witches Brew

 Men‘s Probus meetings are held every 2nd Wednesday for monthly meetings, and then activities/outings are held on the last Wednesday of each month –or as organised.

 Ladies Probus meets every second Monday of each month at Delatite Hotel for meetings and 4th Monday for social or as organised.

 Rotary meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at the Delatite Hotel. 6.30 for a 7pm start.

 Rural Australians for Refugees (RAR) meet every fourth Monday of the month at 6pm in the library (rear entrance)

 U3A meetings are held on 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month at 10am at the Library.

 Circle of Friends meet every second Monday at Invoke from 10:30am - 12:30pm. Join a group of women for morning tea, a chat and some meditation. Nominal fee to cover costs. Enquiries: Suzy

Rideout: 0466 998 811

July

 JULY 5: NAIDOC Week guest speaker: Uncle Ronald Briggs: 6pm – Mansfield Library. Hear about the upcoming referendum and what ‘The Voice‘ means to Indigenous people. Event is free but booking is essential via Mansfield Shire Council website.

 JULY 5: Pop-up Trash and Treasure: 10am - 4pm - Invoke 50 High Street. Vintage clothes, new clothes reduced, trinkets, household treasures, please bring cash only.

 JULY 6: Weaving and Clay Ochre Workshop: 11am – 3pm

– Mansfield Library. Join Cassie Leatham in learning how to create these pieces, the story behind them and their importance. Event is free but booking is essential via Mansfield Shire Council website.

 JULY 6: Film screening: The Last Daughter: 6pm – Mansfield Armchair Cinema. A powerful film about Brenda – a one of the Stolen Generation – and her search for connections to family and culture. Event is free but booking is essential via Mansfield Shire Council website.

 JULY 7: NAIDOC Week Kids Storytime with Miranda

JULY 30

Connaughton–Kerr: 2pm –Mansfield Library. A reading of some of Miranda‘s favourite Indigenous books. Event is free.

 JULY 8: Shred for Chumpy –Mount Buller. The Mt Buller community comes together for a shred to remember Chumpy.

 JULY 13: Adams Ski and Golf

Day – Mount Buller. An event for teams of four to enjoy the sporting attributes of skiing at Buller and playing golf in Mansfield whilst raising money for a worthy cause.

 JULY 13: Friends of the Great Victorian Rail Trail monthly meeting and AGM: 3pm - Up2Us Landcare office.

MANSFIELD ARMCHAIR CINEMA

JULY17th: U3ApresentsEvita:

 JULY 17th: U3A presents Evita: 10am - Mansfield Library (enter via back door). Morning tea followed by a true and tragic documentary of Evita’s life. New members always welcome.

 JULY 19 – 20: Cattleman‘s Cup – Mount Buller. Celebration of snowboarding including a Cattleman‘s inspired Rail Plaza Jam, Hip Contest and Race–Your–Mate Slalom Course.

 JULY 27 – 28: Victorian University Championships – Mount Buller. The Championships race events include Giant Slalom, Super G, Skiercross and Boardercross.

 JULY 30: Aequales Chamber Music Quintet: 4 – 5:30pm –Mansfield Performing Arts Centre. Performing Brahms Piano Quintet in F Minor Opus 34 and Mozart Piano Concerto No 14 in E Flat K 449 as well as presenting the New Horizons Art and Poetry Awards for students. Tickets support Rural Australians for Refugees: www. trybooking.com/1062229

Shred for Chumpy – Mount Buller

NAIDOC Week Kids Storytime

Aequales Chamber Music Quintet

JULY

property of the week

WINE, OLIVES & RIVER FRONTAGE

pristine Jamieson River is an instant appeal to this remarkable property, add the extensive pinot noir vineyard and established olive grove for the ingredients to a wonderful lifestyle.

Immaculately maintained on every level, with over 200m direct frontage to the Jamieson River.

Hand built and laden with character an extremely comfortable family home of three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two living areas and open plan kitchen. or retreat, raked timber ceilings featured throughout, cork tiles.

Award winning pinot noir wine being produced with a remarkable attention to detail, fully operational cellar, production shed, cool room and storage areas are set up for the vast amount of equipment essential for the smooth transition from grapes to bottle. Olives are set to harvest as much or as little as desired, 2MEG stock & domestic and 2MEG irrigation water licence will be transferred with the property.

Take in the shade of the huge oak trees on arrival and be impressed with every component of this property, there is so much more it has on offer.

Make the appointment to inspect and to be impressed!

MANSFIELD | 3 SADIE COURT

NORTH FACING BACKYARD WITH MOUNTAIN VIEWS

Flat, fully serviced, in a quiet cul-de-sac and more importantly titled and ready to build on now.

Complemented with outlook to neighbouring hills, including Mt Battery and Mt Buller to the East.

MANSFIELD | LOT 2A, 13B CUMMINS ROAD

ELEVATED 10 ACRES MOMENTS TO LAKE EILDON

15 minute drive to town, undulating country, all fully fenced. Approved building envelope, views of the Samaria Ranges, The Paps to Lake Eildon. Post and rail entrance, private setting.

MANSFIELD | 13 PEAK COURT

EASY TOWN LIVING

Near new, in town and positioned in a family-friendly cul-de-sac

Wood heater, ducted evaporative cooling, two R/C split systems

Secure rear yard, side access to backyard with great alfresco area

Currently leased to great tenants till January 2024 at $600pw

MANSFIELD | 15 WITHERS LANE

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS – WHEN POSITION IS PARAMOUNT

Exceptional development opportunity subject to Council approval

Boasting over 300 meters of high exposure to Maroondah Highway

Shed 18m x 7m (approx.) with power, water and concrete floor

Diversification and sustainability give Benalla farmer the winning edge

BY EMMA OLIVER eoliver@ nemedia.com.au

BENALLA farmer Mark Foletta received the 2023 Award for Excellence in Diversification and Sustainability, sponsored by Corteva Agriscience, at the Kondinin Group and ABC Rural 2023 Australian Farmer of the Year Awards on Tuesday 20 June at Australian Parliament House, Canberra.

Mark manages a 450 hectare farming enterprise 12 kilometres south of Benalla in northeast Victoria along with his own 10 hectares of high-value horticultural land in Swanpool.

Together with his father, Mark produces Angus cattle, prime lambs and Merino wool, as well as wine grapes and lucerne.

In recent years Mark has diversified, successfully applying for the first Victorian licence to harvest one-to-two tonnes of wild mushrooms annually and planting two hectares of cherry trees and almost a hectare to heritage pumpkin varieties.

Mark’s commitment to overall farm health and producing quality food, combined with the close relationships he has built with his customers, especially buyers who have sustainability at front and centre of their business activities, impressed the judges.

Dan Dixon, ANZ Marketing Director at Corteva Agriscience, sponsor of the 2023 Award for Excellence in Diversification and Sustainability at the annual Farmer of the Year Awards, said Mark’s approach to his farm’s health was exemplary.

“Mark has gone above and beyond to ensure his farm is meeting the goals of overall production sustainability and designs his management processes to align with the needs of the market.

“The results of his focus on farm health go hand-in-hand with his achievements.

“This is an award Corteva is so proud to support because we have placed sustainability at the heart of our vision, including in research and development, with a goal to have 100 per cent of products in our pipeline meeting key criteria for sustainability by 2025.”

Mark says he takes a holistic approach to farming and is driven to explore new avenues of production.

“Practicing regenerative agriculture with the aim of increasing soil carbon and improving soil health, optimises the use of products which would otherwise be seen as ‘waste’, which led me to develop our paddock-to-plate enterprise,” he said.

“I provide notable restaurants in Melbourne with cherry wood for smoking meats, as well as on-selling wine made from my

grapes to restaurants, local purveyors, and a company focused on re-fillable bottles.

“The aim of encouraging paddock-to-plate sales is to not only boost the region’s offerings, but to provide more traceability for consumers.

“Knowing where our food is coming from and how it’s being produced is gaining popularity and is something I support.”

With the goal of providing a positive environmental, social and economic impact, Mark began a program in 2009 to successfully improve his pasture by

eliminating chemical nutrition and using a dry blend of organic soil conditioners on his highly acidic soils.

This resulted in a change to the composition of the pasture to reduce weeds such as silver grass and capeweed, and also reduced insect pressure.

Along with time-controlled grazing to help improve mineral cycles, the building of soil health has increased overall carrying capacity on the farm by 20 per cent.

Mark uses green waste and spent mushroom compost as an

MOGGY PROBLEM: Feral cats kill huge numbers of native animals and spread disease to other animals. PHOTO: Tony Buckmaster

FARM PREDATORS: Foxes threaten 95 native species with extinction. PHOTO: Ballard

Putting a dent in feral cat and fox numbers

THE Centre for Invasive Species Solutions has released two new planning guides for communities trying to come to grips with feral cats and foxes.

“Recent research shows that feral cats and foxes kill and eat 697 million birds, 510 million reptiles, 1.4 billion mammals and well over 1.1 billion invertebrates every year”, National Feral Cat and Fox Management Coordinator with the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Ms Gillian Basnett, said.

Ms Basnett has found there is huge community interest in controlling feral cats and foxes but often the first question she is asked is, ‘what can we do about it?’.

The new Planning Guide for Feral Cat Management in Australia and its companion, the Planning Guide for Fox Management in Australia have been written to help land managers, community groups, pest control professional, biosecurity organisations and others ask the right questions and find the right answers that suit their circumstances and resources.

“Many people are daunted by planning - it’s a bit dull, it’s a bit dry, it seems too complex - and they just want to hook in and start controlling feral cats and foxes from day one,” said Ms Basnett.

“A useful plan doesn’t need to be long and complicated: a map to get you started, a list of everyone involved, details about why you want to control the pests, and a calendar of who is doing what, when.”

“Fox and cat numbers vary across landscapes, with higher numbers in agricultural, peri urban and urban areas where there is more food.

“Their populations are huge: it’s estimated that the number of feral cats ranges seasonally from 1.4 and 5.6 million, and the number of foxes is steady at about 1.7 million.

“These invasive animals threaten our native animals with extinction: at least 140 species are threatened by feral cats; 95 species are threatened by foxes,” Ms Basnett said.

“They also spread disease: feral cats spread toxoplasmosis which can infect any animal or bird, it doesn’t discriminate between wallabies, bandicoots or sheep.

“Together with another disease, Sarcocystis, toxoplasmosis spread by feral cats is estimated to cost farmers more than $12 million a year.

“Throw in predation by foxes and you add a further $28 million,” said Ms Basnett.

organic adjunct instead of synthetic fertilisers on his heirloom pumpkins and cherry orchard.

To ensure the vineyard continues to perform well, Mark utilises under-vine maintenance equipment to reduce weeds, while an investment in centre-pivot irrigation has doubled his annual output of silage and hay.

Another project is the planting of 2,000 mountain eucalypts for use in medical research, as Mark willingly seeks out complementary industries for agriculture in the region.

The new planning guides provide a framework for people to make decisions and to select management options that suit their circumstances.

“People might want to bait, shoot and trap, or invest in exclusion fencing, or habitat improvements and rabbit control.

“It depends on what they can commit to and what works for them,” Ms Basnett said.

Anyone interested in the new planning guides can find them online at https:// pestsmart.org.au/pest-animals/gloveboxguides-order-form/.

Also available to help communities record pest animal sightings and control activities are the free FeralCatScan and FoxScan apps which can be found at https://www. feralscan.org.au/.

NATIONAL AWARD: North east farmer, Mark Foletta was awarded the 2023 Award for Excellence in Diversification and Sustainability in the Australian Farmer of the Year Awards.

Ground shakes and power outages

THERE were celebrations for local Jamieson great grandmother Naomi Beaman on Monday, June 26 – her 19th great grandchild was born.

Georgia Norma Docherty is the daughter of Tom and Katrina, Tom is Naomi’s grandson.

The birth was in Ballarat Hospital near to their property.

Tom spent most of his holidays in Jamieson with his family.

The mum and baby are well and hoping to come to Jamieson, to show baby Georgia off to great grandmother Naomi, with many hugs. Congratulations.

LAST Wednesday morning there was another power outage in Jamieson, fortunately it didn’t last long and power was restored.

The previous outage was for 36 hours with many residents without light and water. Now most have stored candles and generators are in on the wish list.

THE noise of the oncoming earthquake last week was a precursor to the shaking that

JAMIESON ON THE LINE with Carmel Dixon

woke most residents. The noise was akin to the sound of the working film crew in Jamieson recently, moving their props and gear ready for the day’s filming.

Albeit was a much more civilized hour with the film crew, the earthquake was 1:30 am.

LOCAL residents Genevieve and Ian Bolwell have recently returned from a bucket list holiday.

They flew to the USA then Canada and travelled by bus and ship, experiencing the most exciting landscapes from the Rockies to northern climes if Canada and native wildlife, from big brown bears to elks in their natural environment.

On their arrival back home in Jamieson they felt the cold weather we are experiencing, more than what they experienced on their holiday. Welcome home.

FRIDAY afternoon at 3:00pm a farewell and thank you party commenced at the Jamieson

Twin River service station.

Scott and Jenny McKenzie held a party to thank their clients and local residents for their loyalty.

A large number of clients and friends came to say farewell and thank you, to Scott and Jenny.

Scott has run the business in Perkins street for 40 years.

He has given service way beyond the usual business hours with rescues from broken down vehicles, to accidents from trucks, motor bikes, cars and caravans.

Repairs and servicing, chain sawing fallen trees so car drivers could continue their journeys, to attending fires - he was captain of Jamieson CFA for years.

Scott lived in Jamieson on the family farm and grew up in the area.

He created a social atmosphere at the garage where local residents and visitors were always welcome.

Jenny and Scott reared their two children - Stephanie and Brendon, at home in Jamieson and are looking forward to retirement.

Scott will keep operating his towing selvage and rescue service, as this is a vital service

much appreciated by the local residents and anyone who has been lucky to have him attend in a crises.

Thank you Scott and Jenny, enjoy your well-earned retirement.

THE new lease-holders at Jamieson Twin River Service Station, are Paradise Point residents Colin Tyler and Lauren Cisenski, who have five children - three attending Jamieson Primary school and two attending Mansfield College.

We wish them well.

ANGLICAN minister Rev Melissa Clark conducted the Service at Saint Peter’s church in Jamieson on Sunday.

A number of visitors joined the local residents swelling the numbers.

Following the service the attendees enjoyed browsing the gallery and nursery. Later the group enjoyed lunch at Jamieson Café.

LOCAL Jamieson ceramist and potter Dianna Kilford is running her pottery classes through the school holidays with her students.

Ambitious weed treatment program

GOULBURN-Murray Water (GMW) is undertaking a significant aquatic weed treatment program throughout its channel and irrigation network.

Submerged weeds affect water flow, promote silting and cause issues with automatic regulators, which can reduce GMW’s ability to deliver water to its customers.

The irrigation shutdown period between May and August provides a signifi-

5775 2115

cant opportunity for treating weeds.

GMW environmental maintenance coordinator Dannielle McMillan said the weed treatment program during this irrigation shutdown was the most ambitious GMW had ever undertaken.

“Last year was a landmark year for us in terms of weed treatment,” she said.

“After successful trials using a herbicide with very low toxicity to fish life, we were able to treat more than

230km of channel for aquatic weeds such as Hornwort, Saggitaria, Ribbon weed and Egeria.

“Last irrigation season, we saw the benefits of this, with flowrates improving in many of the channels we had treated.

“We are subsequently looking to undertake an even more extensive weed treatment program this year, with about 300km of channel identified for treatment.”

About 100km of channel

have already been treated as part of the 2023 program. Typically, aquatic weeds are treated by a section of channel being dewatered and the weeds being directly sprayed with herbicide, however in sections of channel that are difficult to access, GMW has begun treating weeds by flowing injection. This involves the herbicide being dispersed from a regulator where it can then flow downstream and spread across the treatment zone.

19 FOR NAOMI: New dad Tom Docherty with baby daughter Georgia smiling for Jamieson great grandmother Naomi Beaman.

FUELS

Mansfield District bulk suppliers of Fuels, Oils, Grease, Adblue, Fuel tanks and accessories. Most major credit cards and StarCards accepted to the 24 hour Diesel Stop, 261 Dead Horse Lane, Mansfield. admin@simpsonsfuel.com.au

Simpson & Son Pty Ltd

FUNERAL

Caring & Professional 24 hour service, all areas Obligation free appointments

PUBLIC NOTICES

Information

Get your names in the RADIO MANSFIELD and MANSFIELD COURIER birthday book.

Win Bertalli’s birthday goodies on Radio Mansfield 99.7 FM’s “Anything Goes” Birthday Wheel Thursdays from 2-4pm

This week’s winner is: MARG NEALY

To enter call Radio Mansfield on 5775 2333

Ward Clerk - Administrative Assistant Intake Officer – Community Health

Do you have exceptional administration skills and strict attention to detail, are you keen to be part of team, then apply now!

Position Type: Permanent Part time roles

Closing Date: 16th July 2023

Position Description and Applications: https://www.livehire.com/job/mdh/DT9HA

Administration Officer 1.0 FTE MRSSK is seeking a suitably experienced administration officer to be responsible for front desk reception, administration, and first aid. A positive outlook and the desire to work collaboratively with staff, students, and parents is essential.

More info: mansfieldsteiner.vic.edu.au/ career-opportunities/

Applications close June 26 or before if filled. Please send a cover letter and resume to: Glenn Hood, Principal email: admin@mrssk.vic.edu.au

Crown Cabs TAXI DRIVERS

WANTED

Mansfield Area

Please contact Syzen 0417 333 300

MANSFIELD SECONDARY COLLEGE IS CALLING ALL PASSIONATE AND EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS TO

JOIN OUR GROWING SCHOOL IN 2024!

Our small rural Victorian school is on a remarkable path of growth. Enrolments are increasing, and we need your expertise to continue providing an exceptional education in a stimulating environment.

Whether you’re a teacher or support staff, we have a variety of positions available.

We invite you to visit our school, meet with our Principal, and take a tour of our impressive facilities.

Contact Timothy Hall, Principal, to schedule your visit or inquire about available positions. Ph 0400 079 302.

Interested applicants should apply via DET website: https://www.schools.vic.gov.au/careers-and-recruitmenthr#find-a-job

Senior Electorate Officer (Grade 2 or 3)

The Department of Parliamentary Services provides support to all Members of Parliament for the recruitment and selection of their staff. On behalf of Annabelle Cleeland, Member for Euroa, we are seeking a highly motivated, experienced person to join Annabelle’s electorate team in Benalla.

Reporting to Annabelle Cleeland, Member for Euroa, key duties may include:

Managing and maintaining digital communications, such as the website.

Preparing media releases, parliamentary speeches, and other written materials

Developing and executing community campaigns and events/functions

This role is ongoing, full-time, with a six-month probationary period. A Grade 2 or 3 position may be offered.

POULTRY AUCTION

Sunday, July 9 at Euroa Showgrounds. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL.

Penning 8am – 10am. Sale commencing 11am. Bird seeds, small birds, sundries followed by poultry. 500 pen cap. Catalogue available 7 days prior. Phone 0416 151 696. Metry Auction Co.

CARAVANS & CAMPERS

JAYCO Starcraft caravan, 15ft, r egistered, $10,500. Ph 0493 045 146.

CAR ADVERTISERS

Private vendors of motor cars advertised for sale must include in their advertisement

PHOTOGRAPHS

FOUND ADVERTISEMENTS

All found advertisements are

PERSONAL ADVERTISERS

QUALITY AND RISK COORDINATOR PERMANENT PART TIME 24 HOURS PER WEEK

Alexandra District Health is seeking an experienced office administrator to join our team as Quality and Risk Coordinator.

The Quality and Risk Coordinator is responsible for: Promoting customer service excellence

Acting as a quality champion across ADH, supporting managers, and staff to strengthen capacity of Quality Improvement within their teams

Maintaining the ADH incident reporting software, quality reporting systems, preparation and documentation of policies and procedures and governance documents

Assisting in the facilitation, coordination and education of all accreditation processes.

For a full position description that includes further information on salary and duties, please search for the role on Seek or contact the Department of Parliamentary Services by emailing recruitment@ parliament.vic.gov.au.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter via Seek or to recruitment@parliament.vic.gov.au

The Department of Parliamentary Services supports all Members of Parliament in the recruitment and selection process of Electorate Officers. You will receive communications throughout the process from the Department.

SOLD

ADDITIONS

INTERNET

The successful applicant will demonstrate exemplary communication skills, will be focused on the provision of excellent customer service and patient safety, maintaining confidentiality and will exhibit an attention to detail whilst being able to juggle multiple tasks at once and have advanced computer skills. The successful applicant will have access to an extensive handover process.

Please contact Juliana McCashney, Manager People and Culture if you have any queries regarding the role (03) 5772 0997

For further information, position description and application details visit: https://adh.org.au/careers/current-vacancies.

MOTOR VEHICLES

DEATH NOTICE

ODGERS, Greg.

24/7/1956 – 20/6/2023

Aged 66 years.

Mansfield’s Marketplace

2016 Nissan Navara

R X D23 4WD Twin Cab, steel tray, bull bar, 124,600kms, RWC, R EG (1UW9XF) to F eb 2024, $35,000.

Phone Tav 0438 217 468.

Beloved husband of Sylvie Cherished father and father-in-law of Molly and Dan. Privately Cremated. Memorial service will be held at the Delatite Hotel Function Room at 2.30pm, Monday, July 10.

All welcome.

to be made to his favourite charity Beagle Rescue Victoria.

VOLKSWAGON Polo

2019, comfortline auto, service history, seven speed, professionally detailed, REG (BCE513), under w arranty, one owner, $19,900, 62,346km.

Ph 0458 585 349.

BELL, Barney.

The Bell Family would like to thank Andrew and Robyn from McCormack Funerals, Rev. Mel Anglican Church,

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VW TOUAREG

4x4, 2007 model, V6 turbo diesel, silve r exterior, grey interior, automatic, excellent condition, regularly serviced and garaged, leather upholstery, wood grain dash, mechanically sound, good fuel economy, very comfortable to drive, two new tyres, current Vic Reg (UWA862), RWC supplied, $12,000

ONO. Ph John Atkins 0428 690 267.

Club for your professionalism, kindness, and attention to detail for our recent celebration of Barney’s life.

2011 Subaru Forester, AWD manual, 343,258kms, moto r rebuilt by Subaru at 186,047kms 2/5/2017, (YJF 550), Rego June 2024, $9,000, Ph 0407 844 527.

2015 , Holden Astr a

VXR Turbo, excellent condition, 27,000km, RWC, 12 month rego, (AJJ295), $22,800, ONO. Ph 0401 518 029.

2020 VW Tiguan 162tsi h/line, 7 speed 4 motion, auto, petrol, 2yrs warranty, full history, white, 41,600kms, RWC, 12 moths rego, (BHC506), $49,950. Ph John 0412 543 949.

Emailyouradvert classifieds@ nemedia.com.au

STACKED IT: Sunday Heine (pictured) had a bit of a tumble while going down the mountain.

CHILDREN on the mountain were able to take full advantage of the slopes last week as snow covered all of Mt Buller.

HELP BACK UP: A MT BULLER STAFF MEMBER HELPED SUNDAY HEINE (PICTURED) UP ON HER SKIS.

PERFECT CONDITIONS: There was plenty of snow on the mountain for kids like Sunday Heine (pictured) to take advantage of. PHOTOS: Tony Harrington

Kids week on Buller

ON THE WAY DOWN: ISLA LEE (PICTURED) WAS ON HER WAY DOWN.

NIGHT SKIING: THE SKIING CLUB OF VICTORIA KICKED OFF ITS EVENTS WITH A NIGHT RACE ON BOURKE STREET.

GO GO GO: KOA ELLIOTT (PICTURED) WAS KILLING IT IN THE SNOW SQUAD RACE.

SMOOTH SAILING: THE CURVES WERE JUST RIGHT TO HEAD DOWN THE MOUNTAIN FOR SUNDAY HEINE (PICTURED).

SPEEDY SKIING: JACK DEAGUE (PICTURED) SPED AROUND THE MARKERS.

Golden Week for Men’s Golf

MEN’S GOLF

By TOM SWAN

ANOTHER cold and damp week saw numbers once again down a little with some perhaps deciding that sitting in front of the fire was a better alternative to venturing out onto the golf course.

On Tuesday, 12 played in the stableford round with Ian Jones winning with a great score of 38 points off a handicap of 21 with Chris Kerr coming in second on 36 points and Taki Murakami finishing third on 30 points.

Both Ian and Chris played to their handicaps, which was terrific considering the conditions.

Thursday’s stableford had 30 front the starter with Daryl Harwood having a great round with a score of 35 points.

Justin Odd finished second on 34 points and Ian Jones was third with 33 points winning on a countback from Rob Healy and Don Clutterbuck.

Interesting to note that no one was able to beat their handicaps, which perhaps indicated how trying the conditions were.

On Saturday 14 hardy souls played in a Gold Tee stableford round.

Justin Odd was the winner with 41 points from Michael Cooksey on 39 points beating Brendan Egan on a countback.

The gold tee challenge is a fun day with handicaps reduced to reflect the shorter course.

Justin finished second on Thursday off a handicap of 21 and on Saturday he played off 11.

HyUndies race for rare cancers

By MICHELLE TREMELLEN

MANSFIELD’S own HyUndies Racing Team entered the Motor Events Winton Rumble 18-hour endurance event on the weekend of June 24.

With 35 cars in the field, the two Captain Underpants teal Hyundai Excels took to the track.

Car 68 drivers were Stuart Wadsworth, Brett Stevens (big welcome back after a 7 month recovery), Greg Jones, and Mia Wadsworth.

Car 78 drivers were Paul Allen, Steve Ward, Aaron Trecento, and Kit Rundle.

In the pits were Steve Trecento and Michelle Tremellen.

Race start was delayed when one car lost a wheel and came to a stop, blocking the pit entry, while the safety crew performed a scavenger hunt to find the missing wheels nuts on the track.

The driver just happened to be one of the official motor events organisers.

The HyUndies raced practically side by side with only 0.6 seconds between them with car 68 in P1 and 78 in P2 in their class at the first hour mark.

At second hour car 78 was in P2 and 68 in P4.

By third hour 78 held P2 and 68 held P3 in class.

The cars held this positioning for the rest of the first day, stopping only for fuel and tyre changes.

The race was paused at nightfall until 8 am the following morning.

Car 78 sitting 15th Overall and Position 2 in class, car 68 sitting 18th overall and Position 3 in class.

Sunday morning was icy and crisp and the cars took to the track again performing well.

The early afternoon saw Paul Allen in car 78 gain overall position to 11th, while Brett Stevens in car 68 did the fastest lap time for the team with a 1:47.52, just beating Steve Ward’s 1:47.70 and Aaron Trecento’s 1:47.72.

But then a big shift of positioning occurred when car 78 had major brake issues, and a pit stop of 20 mins, which saw car 68 gain Position 2 in class, and once back on track, car 78 in Position 3, just one lap behind.

Both cars held this position until race end, and another podium finish was held for the HyUndies Racing team.

Car 68 came 2nd in class (13th overall) and car 78 came 3rd in class (14th overall).

Total funds donated under the HyUndies Team for this event was $575.

A massive thank you to Robert Healey, who donated $500 of that total.

Your support for us and your support for people and families living with Rare Cancers is greatly appreciated.

We would love to see the Mansfield Community get around us and donate to the next event in November - MelonAid 2023 The Bend GT8.0 25 Hours Endurance event at the Bend Motorsport Park, Tailem Bend South Australia.

Our club champion Kyle Bridgeman and Mark Jones both played off plus 7 and plus 8 respectively, meaning they had to have 7 and 8 birdies just to equal their handicaps.

Needless to say this was just a little too difficult even for them.

Wells wins monthly medal

LADIES GOLF

By LINDA TERRY

WITH conditions still very soggy, there was only one competition with any reasonable numbers for our golfing week, which was our Wednesday June Monthly Medal.

This month was no different, with 15 braving it, but one player seemed to be playing an entirely different course in an entirely different month of the year.

Gayle Wells managed a remarkable nett 70 to win the medal, seven shots ahead of the next best, our Captain Sheryl Sargent on 77.

This was the second medal for Wells in the last 12 months, after having had a medal drought for many years prior.

Well done Gayle – you must have webbed feet.

As for the rest of the pack, Shelly Comerford came in third with nett 83 and other notables were Kylie Egan, Susan Kinloch, and Sam Bailey.

Shelly took one nearest-the-pin and Sheryl the other two, while Gayle won the putting comp and attributed her win to her putting prowess on the day.

The only other comp was on Saturday, full marks to the four who turned out to play off the gold tees.

The winner was Sam Bailey with 32 points.

Sam also won the nearest the pin on the 3rd.

NORTH East

Bushrangers

Basketball (NEBB) is a collaboration between local North East basketball associations with the commitment of “Creating Realistic Pathways for all North East Athletes”

Eleven NEBB junior teams compete in the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) - the highest level junior competition in Victoria.

One NEBB Youth League Men’s (YLM) team competes in the semi-professional Big V competition.

Big V & VJBL consist of teams from both metropolitan and regional Victoria. North East Bushrangers proudly supported Basketball Victoria’s Mental Health Round in June.  As well as players donning Basketball Victoria’s orange socks, the club raised an addition $1,508  by selling Bushies Lifeline shirts and donating $5 per 3 point shot made for the round.

s pla

POPDIUM FINISH: Brett Stevens, Aaron Trecento, Stuart Wadsworth, Mia Wadsworth, Greg Jones, Paul Allen, Steve Ward, Kit Rundle. PHOTO: Colson Photography

Adams ski & golf into fun and funds

By PAM ZIERK-MAHONEY

IT is not too late to join in the fun of the Adams Ski & Golf day (July 14) and help in raising funds for local school kids so they can enjoy the sport of skiing and snowboarding.

Last minute entries may be taken by going to www.mtbuller.com.au/Winter/eventsactivities/event-calendar/details/adams-ski-golf-day-2023

To date, more than $330,000 has been raised and donated to the Mansfield and District schools winter programs.

The Ski & Golf day usually has around 20 teams of four competing totaling up to around 80 competitors.

The fun all starts with the Adams Calcutta dinner the night before on July 13 where the organising team auctions off the individual teams.

This raises more funds as part of the auction money goes back to the schools program as well.

This year the dinner is being held at the Moosehead and Adams real Estate has the naming rights sponsor for the dinner as well.

“Of course we have loads of prizes for winners and runner ups in addition to the Calcutta

ROUND

auction prize,” Mark Adams said.

After each team has done two runs down the Bourke Street slope (with timings taken to determine the best) there is a pre-golf lunch put on by the Mansfield Golf Club just before tee off

After the completion of the whole day’s event there are presentations and competitors can enjoy some drinks and nibbles and a wind-down or may stay for dinner.

“It’s a long day but loads of fun,” Mark said.

“Competitors start the skiing leg at 8am and then by the time the presentations are over its about 6pm at night.”

World cup champion boarder-cross and three-time Olympic representative Belle Brockhoff is competing for the first time and will give a talk at the Adams Calcutta dinner.

“This event is so much fun the teams can’t wait until the event occurs each year,” Mark said.

Mark and Zach have found the event gets strong Mt Buller business community support and donations.

All funds raised goes towards the local Mansfield schools skiing program and for use only at Mt Buller.

LAST YEAR: The Adams team taking part in the annual ski & golf day – will they return for another stint this year?

WINNERS AND LOSERS

OVENS AND KING SENIORS LADDER

SCOREBOARD RESERVES RESULTS

GOALS: MILAWA: Sebastian De Napoli 5, Harry Allan

Aiden Bihun 1, Luke Toohey 1. KING VALLEY: Anthony Ciancio

Jack Davies

MILAWA: Simon Pane, Xavier Ham, Harry Allan, Brent Newton, Daniel Bihun, Josh Owen.

KING VALLEY: Sam Evans, Bradley Collihole, Beau Wheeler, Aaron Cheong, Salvatore Bettio, Vincent Star.

NETBALL SCORES

A GRADE: Tarrawingee 81 def Bright 15

Whorouly 81 def Benalla All Blacks 30

Bonnie Doon 51 def Moyhu 27

B GRADE: Tarrawingee 49 def Bright 23

Whorouly 34 def by Benalla All Blacks 76

Bonnie Doon 71 def Moyhu 13

B RESERVE: Tarrawingee 32 def by Bright 48

Whorouly 29 def by Benalla All Blacks 55

Bonnie Doon 76 def Moyhu 13

C GRADE: Tarrawingee 38 def by Bright 42

Goorambat 34 def by Greta 44

Whorouly 30 def by Benalla All Blacks 39

Bonnie Doon 40 def Moyhu 22

15 & UNDER: Tarrawingee 14 def by Bright 22

Goorambat 14 def by Greta 49

Whorouly 26 def Benalla All Blacks 22

Bonnie Doon 29 def Moyhu 16

No scores available for the Milawa vs King Valley

ROUND 14 - SATURDAY, JULY 8

GOORAMBAT vs NORTH WANGARATTA

GRETA vs BRIGHT

BENALLA ALL BLACKS vs MOYHU

KING VALLEY vs WHOROULY

BONNIE DOON vs MILAWA

TARRAWINGEE - BYE

*Ladder correct at time of print from Ovens and King website.

GOALS: No goal scorers selected.

BEST: TARRAWINGEE: Seth Coonan, Sam Peters, Angus Beck, Ryley Benton, Brandon Igri, Ethan Ryan. BRIGHT: Darcy Sholl, Cooper Thomason, Guy Campbell, Samuel Dalbosco, Rodrigo Arguello, Chad Martin.

GOORAMBAT

GRETA

12.17 17.20.122

GOALS: GOORAMBAT: Aaron Blackburn 2, Charlie Campbell 1, Jamie Dunne 1, Benjamin Reaburn 1, Jim Taylor 1. GRETA: Frazer Judd 5, James McClounan 4, Tyler Arrowsmith 3, Chris Dube 1, Lachie Kennett 1, Brenton Newbold 1, Ned Rohrt 1, Mark Wettern 1. BEST:

GOORAMBAT: Jamie Dunne, Ryan Burns, Darcy Edgar, Benjamin Reaburn, Aaron Blackburn, Brady Purcell. GRETA: James McClounan, Jarrod Morham, Ned Rohrt, Thomas Rosser, Bryce Ralph, Tyler Arrowsmith.

WHOROULY 7.1 10.5 13.6 17.8.110

BENALLA ALL BLACKS 3.1 4.4 6.5 7.5.47

GOALS: WHOROULY: Simon Chalmers 5, Lachlan Moore 3, Adam Harris 2, Macauley Murtagh

2, Andrew Newton 2, William Allen 1, Cameron Wood 1, Luke Zanin 1. BENALLA ALL BLACKS: Jayden Brady 3, Cody Crawford 1, Kaare Glass 1, Jack Melrose 1, Chelton Orchard 1. BEST:

WHOROULY: Matthew Vescio, Edward Bramich, William Allen, Paul Glanville, Riley Calvene, Andrew Newton. BENALLA ALL BLACKS: Mack Bodsworth, Jayden Brady, Cody Crawford, Jesse Walker, Kyle Collisson, David Button.

BONNIE DOON 6.2 14.5 16.9 21.9.135

MOYHU 2.1 5.2 7.3 9.5.59

GOALS: No goal scorers selected.

BEST: BONNIE DOON: Guy Murray, Matthew Hedin, Luke Murray, Campbell Smedley, Beau Smith, Joel Sanford. MOYHU: George Hearn, jack Mckinley, Jared Lea, Jett Roberts, Dylan Carmody, Lukas Jakobsson.

Milawa .....................15.8.98 King Valley ................5.9.39

BEST: MILAWA: Michael Walker, Tim Leslie, Michael Box, matthew walsh, Zachary Wallace, Brenton Gray. KING VALLEY: Joel Burchall, Xander Van Bergen, David Lang, Brett Sessions, Ayden Hansen, Alex Tatulaschwili.

Tarrawingee ..............2.4.16 Bright ..................28.13.181

BEST: TARRAWINGEE: Spencer Jones, Will Creed, Kane Deans, Mitchell Barry, Jacob Lowe. BRIGHT: Thomas Mullane-Grant, Brodie Brain, Mason Cracknall, Joseph Crawley, Adam Whelann, Aidan Parmesan.

Whorouly ..................2.3.15

Benalla All Blacks .....5.11.41

BEST: WHOROULY: Adam Pascoe, Will Corscadden, Chas Pianegonda, Jacob Penn, Nathan de Vries, Ryan Harris. BENALLA ALL BLACKS: Eoin Fitzgerald, Karl Mullins, Brendan Moffatt, Mark Mc Dermott, Joshua Kotvas, Aaron Horan. Bonnie Doon ........16.12.108 Moyhu ......................5.3.33

BEST: BONNIE DOON: Fraser Cameron, Jack Kirley, Patrick Revell, luke berriman, Andrew Marshall, Luke Benton. MOYHU: Aaron Thrum, Harry Verdon, Blake Burgan, Anthony Welsh, Leroy Dowling.

Skinner scores a spot in championship team

MANSFIELD’S Olympic Gold Medalist Catherine Skinner will compete at the International Shooting Sport Federation’s World Championship in Baku, Azerbaijan in August.

Ms Skinner is part of a 14-person team who will represent Australia at one of the most significant precursor events to next year’s Olympics Games.

Shooting Australia’s High Performance Manager Kathryn Periac said their goal was to support the World Championship team and obtain “critical Paris Olympic qualification requirements such as winning quota places and securing individual qualifying

ranking points for the Olympic Games”.

“Our athletes have developed and prioritised team values and behaviours to create the environment they want to be part of, and in which they can excel, and we will be working with them to deliver an experience that is successful and positive for everyone,” she said.

Ms Skinner has completed in five senior World Championships since 2011, securing an individual silver and bronze medal.

The 2023 World Championships will commence on August 17.

The nomination criteria for Paris 2024 will be released following the World Championships.

Bombers shine against Moyhu

O&KFNL NETBALL

UNDER 15S

By GEMMA REVELL

Bonnie Doon 26

def Moyhu 16

Best on court - sponsored by Bowser Bean: Tilly Thornton

Coaches Award - sponsored by David Walsh Gas: Gemma Revell

IN the drizzling rain we went goal for goal against Moyhu in the first quarter.

Thankfully Bonnie Doon started taking a good lead in the second half.

The defenders worked hard putting in what they had been learning at training.

The mid courters working well to get the ball from one end to the other while the goalers putting up their shots barely missing even with a wet ring.

Moyhu definitely made the under 15s work hard for the ball however it ended in a great game with Bonnie Doon taking out the win.

UNDER 17S

By STELLA BRAKELS

Bonnie Doon 40

def Moyhu 22

Best on court - sponsored by Bowser Bean: Cobie McCormack

Coaches Award – sponsored by Mansfield Holiday Letting: Stella Brakels

THE under 17 Bombers played a ripper game against Moyhu at home this weekend.

It was a consistent game for all four quarters with the girls working so well as a team in both attacking and defensive ends.

The first quarter was a close, with both teams scoring well; but Bonnie Doon still managed to get a good lead by the end of the quarter.

By the third quarter, Bonnie Doon increased their lead even further, and kept Moyhu‘s score to a minimum with them only scoring two goals.

With changes in positions in the last quarter, all the girls did amazing and finished off with a very deserving win.

B RESERVE

By NARELLE SEYMOUR

Bonnie Doon 76 def Moyhu 13

Best on court - sponsored by Bonnie Doon Pub: Zoe Files

Coaches Award - sponsored by Lakeside Rise: Narelle Seymour

CONGRATULATIONS to

Michelle Tanner for 250 games for BDFNC.

We all thank you very much for the awesome Coach, teammate and friend you are.

With excitement in the air, the B Resie team were pumped to play well against Moyhu, to retain a top position on the ladder and make their super coach proud.

The court was wet and slippery so the team quickly focused on footwork and good passing.

First half ‘one hand Michelle’ and ‘NT tanned Chrissy’ were on fire smashing out 40 goals.

‘Mischievous Madi’, ‘Ace Amy’ and ‘Mighty Maddie’ worked superb feeding the goalers and gaining turnovers in the centre and defence end, and shutting their players down.

‘Cass Turnermator’ and ‘Zesty Zoe’ took no time at all to gain multiple intercepts, touches and rebounds against the young Moyhu shooters.

Second half saw a change in posi’s with ‘Nifty Narelle’ going into GD and Cass having a crack at feeding goalies as WA.

The team were on fire, putting their training skills into play, attacking the ball, doing their systems and accurate shooting.

The goalies smashed out another 36 goals and the strong B Res team finished with a 63 goal margin on Moyhu.

What an amazing effort! No disappointment in the truly positive and skilful display of the Bomberettes and supporters.

It was no surprise that legend Zoe took out best on court with her cracking intercepts, rebounds and sensational reading of the ball.

Thankyou Emmeline for stepping up and being part of the BRes team again Looking forward to having our Hannah back on court, and big ‘one handed’ cheers to Leith for your fun support!

B GRADE By CASEY THOMPSON

Bonnie Doon 71 def Moyhu 15

Best on Court - sponsored by Bonnie Doon Pub: Stephanie Evans Coaches Award - sponsored by Lakeside Rise: Casey Thompson

Players Player: Stephanie Evans

IT was a big win today for the B Grade girls and a good opportunity to try some different positions on the court.

At the defence end Cass and Casey set the tone early and were getting hand on the ball on plenty of occasions ending the first quarter leading 19-5.

The second quarter saw Jo put up 18 goals while Jess A and Chloe Cash worked hard to feed them into her and the defenders keeping their shooters to only one goal.

Third quarter saw some changes made, with Webby coming on into WD and making it difficult for her player to get the centre passes.

Best on for the day went to Panky who had hands over every ball and played an amazing defensive game.

Three quarter time saw a score of 58-8.

In the last quarter Jess H changed into WA and fed the ball beautifully into Jess A and Jo.

Webby and Cass kept their goalers down to five goals.

A great game by all who took the court.

A GRADE

BY ANNA MANNING Bonnie Doon 51

def Moyhu 27

Best on Court - sponsored by Foodworks: Mia Tanner Coaches Award - sponsored

by Lakeside Rise: Anna Manning

Fan Favourite: Casey Thompson

IT was not our best first quarter.

We were extra cautious playing in the wet conditions and our level of netball dropped.

The score was an even 9-9 after 15 minutes.

After some good advice and encouragement from coaches Michelle Tanner and Chrissy Blunt we came out and played a neater game with more determination and focus.

The goalers, Steph W and Portia K shot an impressive 17 goals from 18 attempts. The score at half time was 26 – 18.

Throughout the match the defenders, Cass McCormack, Erin Brond, Anna Manning, Casey Thompson created opportunities for turnovers. Their work rate was clearly rewarded, especially in the third quarter where Moyhu only scored three goals.

Mia Tanner had another great game and deserved best on for her accuracy and work rate.

The result was a clear win and an improved margin from the last time we met Moyhu.

HOMETOWN TALENT: Catherine recently won bronze at the Almaty World Cup.

PHOTO: Hannah Kennelly

Under 18s struggle against Echuca

GVFNL FOOTBALL

By DAVILD HOLLIDAY

WE made the long trip up to Echuca with a team light on numbers but heavy on confidence from our last two wins.

Only 16 boys could make it over to play the undefeated Echuca side but I was confident we would still put up a fight in fair circumstances. Unfortunately that wasn’t the case with Echuca electing to play 18 boys on our 16, something I’ve never seen happen before but didn’t complain as we were the ones who didn’t bring enough numbers.

I told the team it was going to be

an uphill battle but this is where a finals team can be made.

Fighting a losing battle with your mates can often galvanise a group and give confidence in each other.

The first quarter the boys gave it everything, tough one on one plays, big tackles, smothers, one percenters and some smart play when we did manage to win it. Unfortunately they couldn’t do much against the extra numbers and we came in five goals down at the break.

Our backs were absolutely fantastic, led by Gek, with Brayden, Cody and Kai all having monumental games.

The mids worked tirelessly to get back and help all day and the for-

wards doing everything they could to try and get one with hunter having a great game in a new half forward role.

As a coach I couldn’t have been prouder of them as they came in, all of them looking more tired than I’d seen all year.

We reinforced the message that this was a psychological battle of minds and to never give up the fight no matter the score.

The boys continued to put in but the second quarter continued much the same until finally just before half time the Echuca president told their coach to even the numbers.

Echuca had scored 11 goals up to this point but only managed an-

other five after that for the whole game, with our boys getting a conciliation goal in the last to nearly win the quarter but at that stage our boys where exhausted from trying to keep up in the first half.

When it was even numbers our boys had big sections of the game that were highly competitive keeping Echuca from scoring for large parts of the second half.

After the final siren the boys were spent but I could not have been more happy or proud of what they did out there.

Mansfield 1.3 (9) was defeated by Echuca 16.9 (105).

They had won the battle of the minds with Echuca, who felt they had to play extra players just to

beat us, and the players on the field quickly worked out this was not a team that rolls over easily.

I cannot wait to play them again in finals with a full strength team and show them what it means to win properly.

Every boy on the field was incredible and really did themselves and the club proud by the effort showed.

It was hard to pick the best but Lachie Pentony again showed he’s the best full back in the league dominating opponents even after being doubled and tripled to stop him.

Cody Azzopardi had his best game and Brayden, Kai, Max, Dylan, Paddy, Hunter and Ben also deserve a mention.

Valliant effort from the Eagles in tough loss

W&DJFL

By MATT STORER

WE travelled to Myrtleford on Sunday morning for a second game against the Saints in the space of five weeks, the first outing was decided by a kick so there was nothing to say today would be any different.

We had two under 14 boys

ROUND 11

step up to fill our 21 with a few out due to illness.

Cruise Purday and Liam Smith both played ripping games in the 14s and once the ball bounced in the 17s they were at it again both played with spirit and endeavour that their 14s teammates and families should have been really proud of.

The Saints had the best of the first quarter, winning

the one on one contests around the ground and giving the backmen plenty to do.

The Eagles were lucky to be so close at quarter time with a great back half effort led by the returning Trent Berry back after a concussion and a hamstring injury.

In the second quarter the Eagles gained a bit more

of the ascendency and Caminos and Storer both goaled.

The third quarter was a real arm wrestle with Sam Guppy kicking a beauty from the boundary.

Harry Craddok took a courageous mark, he was too far out and hit up the leading Storer and all of a sudden the Eagles were in front.

The last quarter was end

to end good plays from the Eagles.

Aston Browning, River Reeve and Hayden Desmond gave it their all but when the siren sounded ultimately the Saints had their nose in front winning by three points. Mansfield 5.4 (34) was defeated by Myrtleford 4.13 (37).

The Eagles now sit at

eight wins and three losses and, with a couple of tough opponents in the next fortnight, let’s hope the boys are up to the challenge. Thanks to all the volunteers who turn up week in week out to make the day run smoothly.

Best: Trent Berry, Edwin Morphett, Astin Browning, River Reeve, Samuel Guppy, Jack Marks

WINNERS AND LOSERS

GOULBURN VALLEY SENIORS LADDER

SENIORS SCOREBOARD

SPLIT ROUND - SATURDAY, JUNE 24

SHEPP UNITED

SEYMOUR

GOALS: SHEPPARTON UNITED: Jayden Magro 4, Jordan Loverso 1, Liam Serra 1, Jordan Wiggins 1, Jake Zerbato 1. SEYMOUR: Nathan Fowler 5, Riley Mason 3, Lachlan Waite 2, Thomas Davey 1, Jack O’Sullivan 1. BEST: SHEPPARTON UNITED: Kyle Clarke, Jayden Magro, Sheldon Bogdan, Marcus Wattie, Michael Barlow. SEYMOUR: Riley Mason, Jack O’Sullivan, Jack Murphy, Nathan Fowler, Ben Cooney.

KYABRAM

BENALLA

GOALS: KYABRAM: Kyle Mueller 7, Thomas Holman 4, Bradley Mangan 4, Charlie Barnett 2, Hayden Gemmill 2, Will Golds 2, Riley Ironside 1, Liam Ogden 1, Brad Whitford 1. BENALLA: Josh Mellington 3, Toby Feehan 1, Tom O’Brien 1. BEST: KYABRAM: Kyle Mueller, Zachary Norris, Thomas Holman, Kaine Herbert, Liam Ogden. BENALLA: James Martiniello, Christopher Welsh, tom bennett, Jordan Wolff, Samuel Harris.

EUROA

SHEPPARTON

NETBALL SCORES

A Grade

Shepp Utd 36 def by Seymour 45

Kyabram 45 def Benalla 29

Euroa 57 def Shepparton 38

Mooroopna 39 def Tatura 37

Echuca 60 def Mansfield 23

Rochester 58 def Shepp Swans 53

B Grade

Shepp Utd 29 def by Seymour 36

Kyabram 40 def Benalla 19

Euroa 64 def Shepp 41

Mooroopna 60 def Tatura 30

Echuca 74 def Mansfield 27

Rochester 38 def Shepp Swans

B Reserve

Shepp Utd 35 def by Seymour 45

Kyabram 45 def Benalla 33

Euroa 41 def by Shepp Bears 48

Mooroopna 45 def Tatura 24

Echuca 60 def Mansfield 42

Rochester 38 def by Shepp Swans 49 17 & Under

Shepp Utd 40 def Seymour 33

Kyabram 70 def Benalla 21

Euroa 0 def by Shepparton 20

Mooroopna 70 def Tatura 18

Echuca 49 def Mansfield 34

Rochester 35 def by Shepp Swans 54 15 & Under

Shepp United 30 def Seymour 28

Kyabram 20 def Benalla 0

Euroa 23 def by Shepparton 60

Mooroopna 30 def by Tatura 23

Echuca 45 def Mansfield 24

27

by Shepparton Swans

ROUND 12

SATURDAY, JULY 8

Benalla vs Euroa Shepparton vs Mooroopna Kyabram vs Rochester

Mansfield vs Seymour Shepp Swans vs Shepp United

Tatura vs Echuca

GOALS: EUROA: Will Hayes 4, Jett Trotter 3, Cohen Paul 2, Craig Bamford 1, Adam Giobbi 1, Jacob Gleeson 1, Keily Jager 1, Andrew Smith 1. SHEPPARTON: Trent Herbert 4, Anthony Andronaco 1, Izac Artavilla 1, Lewis McShane 1. BEST: EUROA: Will Hayes, Jacob Gleeson, Andrew Smith, Ryan Pendlebury, Jett Trotter. SHEPPARTON: Tyron Baden, Bryce Stephenson, Trent Herbert, Lewis McShane, Edward Lindon.

SPLIT ROUND - SATURDAY, JULY 1

ROCHESTER

SHEPP

GOALS: ROCHESTER: Sean Williams 4, Mitch Cricelli 3, Nicholas O’Connor 2, Joseph Atley 1, Wil Hamilton 1, Bailey Wileman 1. SHEPPARTON SWANS: Zac Clohesy 2, Zac Banch 1, Will Dwyer 1, Ben Gilberto 1, Nathan Rachele 1. BEST: ROCHESTER: Dylan Gordon, Joseph Atley, Reid Gordon, Sean Williams, Grant Fuller. SHEPPARTON SWANS: Bowen Calogero, Quade Johnstone, Zac Banch, Will Dwyer, Isaiah Jones.

GOALS: MOOROOPNA: Christopher Nield 4, Jackson Trengove 3, Ben Hicks 2, Darcy Russell 2, Campbell McElhinney 1, Toby Williams 1. TATURA Andrew Ciavarella 4, Sean McAllister 1, Brodie Meyers 1. BEST: MOOROOPNA: Bryce Rutherford, Isaac Dowling, Liam Betson, Ben Woods, Christopher Nield TATURA: Comanche Walls, Mitchell Elliott, Andrew Ciavarella, Mathew Cornwall, Chris Ryan.

ECHUCA 6.2 7.3 11.5 17.6.108

MANSFIELD 1.2 3.8 5.10 9.12.66

GOALS: ECHUCA: Will Monahan 4, Samuel Reid 3, Jack Evans 2, Liam Tenace 2, Cooper Willoughby 2, Corbin Anderson 1, Cooper Barber 1, Mitchell Kemp 1, Jackson Stewart 1. MANSFIELD: No goal scorers selected. BEST: ECHUCA: Jackson Stewart, Cameron Valentine, Samuel Reid, Will Monahan, Cooper Willoughby. MANSFIELD: Dirk Koenen, Ben Christopher, Tom Dunstan, Harry Mahoney, Cody George.

RESERVES RESULTS

Echuca 21 6 132 def

Mansfield

6.5.41

BEST: ECHUCA: Leo

O’Brien, Nicholas Sheldon, Luke Edwards, Seb Monahan, Kobyn James. MANSFIELD: Jacob Howes, Fergus Schier, Jack Nation, Mac Greene, Flynn Harding.

GOALS: ECHUCA: Luke Edwards 4, Fraser Brooks 3, Kobyn James 3, Seb Monahan 3, Nicholas Sheldon 3, Samuel Edgar 2, Trent Campbell 1, Leo O’Brien 1, Lachie Watson 1 MANSFIELD: No goal scorers elected.

UNDER 18s

RESULTS

Echuca 16 9 105 def

Mansfield 1.3.9

BEST: ECHUCA: William Rohde, James Head, Darchi Clarke, Will Poulton, Noah Langborne. MANSFIELD: No best players have been selected.

GOALS: ECHUCA: William Rohde 5, Darchi Clarke 3, Makai Cronin 3, Fynn Hatfield 2, Luke Stone 2, Samuel Fisher 1. MANSFIELD: No goal scorers selected.

Mansfield struggles against Echuca

GVFNL NETBALL UNDER 15S

Mansfield 24 def by Echuca 45

Best on Court – Jaspa Robinson. Coaches Award – Kiara Brackman

UNDER 17S

By JESSICA

DOLLING

Mansfield 34 def by Echuca 49

Best on Court – Harper Anderson. Coaches Award – Jessica Dolling

ON Saturday the under 17 girls went to Echuca with hopes to secure our fifth spot on the ladder.

We went into the game hoping to improve on our first ball pressure and split leads.

However, Mansfield got off to a slow start and Echuca took this to their advantage and by half time they were above by 13. This forced us to make

changes to all three areas of the court.

Our pressure all over the court increased with our defenders Harper, Mia and our captain Molly take defensive intercepts and tips.

The goalers, Isabelle and Amelia, worked on the movement in the ring which made it easier for our midcourters Emma, Remy, Jess and Bri to feed in to get the goal.

However it was too late and we couldn’t take home the win.

B RESERVE

By CASEY WAREHAM

Mansfield 42 def by Echuca

60

Best on Court – Grace Evans. Coaches Award – Casey Wareham

WHILE the scores didn’t show, B res had a great game against Echuca.

Mich, Sarah and Grace worked hard in goals all game.

Mia, Casey, B and Caz all

defended great, getting many intercepts.

While Leonie and Cassie did a fantastic job working hard through the middle.

B GRADE

By TEANA WARDS

Mansfield 27 def by Echuca 74

Best on Court – Kara Dolling. Coaches Award – TeAna Wards

B GRADE came out firing against an undefeated Echuca side after having a week off netball and training hard with the sports inspire team on Thursday.

B grade were able to keep the scores close during the first and second quarter causing Echuca to make errors along the way and allowing Mansfield the advantage.

Goalers Molly R and TeAna W worked tirelessly in the ring against a strong Echuca defence, working hard to be in position for a goal.

Midcourters Latoya W, Kara D and Alice L were able to shut down Echuca systems with tight defence and attacking pressure.

Defenders Becca S and Matisse G provided strong intercepts and rebounds under the ring causing the Echuca goalers to feel the pressure when shooting.

Unfortunately fatigue set in heading into the last half, allowing Echuca to start gaining ahead.

With both teams tiring and small injury time outs, Mansfield were able to allow for U17s Remy S to step up into the senior side in WA for her debut.

Remy was able to be worked into the game with guidance from the B grade team and her U17s coaches in GA and C allowing Remy to make fast drives and stunning passes into the goal ring.

B grade also seen U17 player Molly D once again step up into the side using her quick feet and electric jump to cause a headache

for the Echuca goalers.

Although the B grade girls worked hard the whole game and made the opposition work for possession of the ball, Echuca proved why they were undefeated taking a strong lead in the end.

A GRADE By ALICIA FOSTER

Mansfield 23 def by Echuca 60

Best on Court – Emily Hutchins. Coaches Award – Alicia Foster

THE A grade team came prepared for a hard game against Echuca knowing they had only a handful of losses for the season and with many Eagles away for the match it was going to be a tough one.

The starting line-up saw Grace Hood returning for her first game back for 2023 in GS, shooting alongside Meg Mahoney

together to get space in the ring to shoot much needed goals.

Mid-courters Amy Dixon Rielly, Bella Riley and Alicia Foster provided hard drives and strong first ball pressure.

In the defensive ring Emily Hutchins and Nelle Cousins showed how strong communication is vital to hold tight pressure and keep the ball out of the competitors’ hands as they did not lack accuracy.

Late into the second quarter saw Matisse Gardiner stepping onto the court for her A grade debut where she slotted in seamlessly in WD keeping her opponent on her toes and off the ring out of the play.

With moments to go Becca Sanderson also stepped up on the court to show her skilful footwork in the defensive ring to keep the score from blowing out.

Unfortunately the ladies walked away with the loss but the score did not reflect how hard they fought till the end, never dropping their heads and kicking the goals they set for the day.

BLOCK: Nelle Cousins (pictured) goes to stop her opponent from scoring.

PHOTOS: Paul Martin

in GA who worked

PASS: Amy Dixon-Rielly (pictured) passes the ball through Echuca’s defence.

CONCENTRATION: Meg Mahoney (pictured) goes for goal.

CROWDED: Matisse Gardiner (pictured) makes sure her Echuca counterpart doesnt get a chance to catch the ball.

JUMP: Grace Hood (pictured) contests the ball with her Echuca opponent.

SPORT

MACE offers table tennis for July

Tennis group are inviting all members of our community to join us for one or more of our ‘Come & Try in July’ nights to experience the joy of table tennis and its numerous benefits.

With the aim of fostering an active lifestyle and enhancing overall wellbeing, the Social Table Tennis group, with the help of MACE, has created this exciting initiative to bring people together and build a stronger, healthier community.

Table tennis is a highly engaging sport that combines physical activity, mental stimulation, and friendly competition, making it an ideal way

to improve both physical and mental health.

Whether you’re a beginner, an intermediate player, or an advanced table tennis enthusiast, we welcome everyone to participate in this funfilled event.

Expert coaches will be available to provide guidance, teach fundamental techniques, and facilitate friendly matches to ensure an enjoyable experience for all.

Games will be played every Monday at 7pm up to the 24th of July at the drama room at the Mansfield Sporting Complex.

There will be table tennis matches, coaching sessions, and friendly competitions for all.

Table tennis tables, bats, and balls will be provided.

Come and experience the thrill of table tennis and join us for an unforgettable evening of fun, fitness, and friendship.

Mark your calendars for July and bring along your friends, family members, or colleagues.

This event is open to everyone in the community, and no prior experience is necessary.

For more information about the ‘Come and Try in July’ nights or our social table tennis group, please visit our website at www.mace.vic. edu.au or contact Bob Carpenter on 0418 120 151.

OPEN TO ALL: Everyone is welcome to join in on friendly table tennis games each week.

ROUND 17

Brisbane Lions vs. West Coast Eagles

Essendon vs. Adelaide Crows

F TY TIPPING COMPETITION

2023

Sydney Collingwood

Port Adelaide

Geelong

Fremantle

TIPSTER: Helen Haines

INDEPENDENT FEDERAL MEMBER FOR INDI helenhaines.org

117 Murphy Street Wangaratta 03 5721 7077 helen.hainesmp@aph.gov.au

Authorised by H. Haines MP 117 Murphy Street Wangaratta 3677.

Last Week: 7 TOTAL: 76

Melbourne Port Adelaide

Adelaide

Fremantle

TIPSTER: Kate Armstrong

Sydney Collingwood Brisbane

GWS St Kilda

Port Adelaide

Geelong Essendon Fremantle

TIPSTER: Sam O’Brien

T 5762 6822 admin@dosserpanels.com.au 90 Bridge St W, Benalla

Last

TIPSTER: Cindy McLeish

Cindy McLeish MP State Member for Eildon (03) 9730 1066

PO Box 128 Yarra Glen 3775 cindy.mcleish@parliament.vic.gov.au

Week: 8

Fremantle vs. Carlton

Geelong Cats vs. North Melbourne

GWS GIANTS vs. Hawthorn

Port Adelaide vs. Gold Coast SUNS

Richmond vs. Sydney Swans

St Kilda vs. Melbourne

Western Bulldogs vs. Collingwood

Richmond Collingwood Brisbane

TOTAL: 93

Richmond Collingwood Brisbane Hawthorn St Kilda Port Adelaide North Melbourne Essendon Carlton

TIPSTER: Pat (Bull) Smith

3 Chenery St, Mansfield Phone: 5775 1992

Last Week: 8 TOTAL: 88

Port Adelaide

Essendon

Fremantle

TIPSTER: Sam McDougall

McGrath Mansfield 03 5775 2437

Richmond Collingwood

GWS

TIPSTER: Andrew Marshall

90 Last Week: 8 TOTAL: 86

89

Last Week: 7

Last Week: 5 TOTAL: 76

FOOTY TIPSTER LADDER

TIPSTER TOTAL:

Stephen Marks ...........................93

Cameron Hotton .........................92

Dion Theodossi ..........................90

Andrew Marshall ........................89

Cindy McLeish............................88

Sam O’Brien ..............................88

Sam McDougall ..........................86

Kate Armstrong..........................85

Jenny Gould ...............................79

Helen Haines ...............................77

Pat (Bull) Smith ..........................76

MANSFIELD’S Social Table

Mansfield cleans up against Myrtleford

W&DJFL

MANSFIELD Eagles Blue

U14s headed off to Myrtleford on Sunday to take on the winless Saints. Coming off a loss last week, the team were asked to play a more disciplined style of football this week and to their credit, they all showed great maturity

to play the team first style of football they have been training for and came away with a well-earned win. With only 16 players available, the boys needed to dig deep to prove their fitness as they were required to play out the full game with no bench rotations.

Cruz Purday, Orlando Miller and Will Anderson played

great rebounding football across half back and continually pumped the ball back into the Eagle forward line.

It was great to see the Eagles Captain, Liam Smith back on the park and along with Alex Kipping, William Benton and James Wellborne all provided lots of drive through the middle of the ground.

Toby Gerrans played a terrific swing role, playing both up front and down back, and it was nice to see Mitch Storer scouting the packs in the forward line to snag three goals for the day.

Max Payne, Logan Kent and James Lean all put in solid efforts, scoring goals along the way, and it was great to see Sam Hough play

a quarter or so up the ground from this full back role.

Everyone put in a terrific effort which was evident with 10 different goal kickers and ensured the Eagles took out a nice win.

Eagles 14.13 (97) defeated Myrtleford 0.1 (1)

Goals: Mitch Storer 3, Liam Smith, Will Benton 2, Toby Gerrans, Logan Kent,

Eagles crumble to unstoppable Echuca

■ From back page

“Even though we lost, we walked away happy with how we went about things.

“Our clearances and pressure were both there and I’m happy with how the boys did.”

Coach Owens commended Dirk Koenen for his efforts during the game, describing him as the “best of

both teams by a long way”.

“We saw really fantastic efforts by Ben Christopher up forward and Sam Lynch was tremendous in the wing.

“We are now seeing the effort we need our players to be displaying.”

Echuca’s Saturday dominance continued, with the Eagles reserves losing by 91 points.

The first quarter showed signs of a

potential tight match, with both teams equal on 14 points.

However, Echuca surged forward in the second quarter, booting seven goals to Mansfield’s two.

The Eagles were unable to recover and loss 6.5 (41) to Echuca 21.6 (132). Mansfield will face Seymour this week on home ground.

James Wellborne, Bodhi Killeen, Tia Paraone, Max Payne, James Lean. Coaches Awards - MFNC: William Benton. Purday Bricklaying: James Wellborne. Caminos Paint & Create: Tia Paraone Best: Cruz Purday. William Benton. Orlando Miller. Alex Kipping. Liam Smith. Will Anderson.

Mansfield yellow swooped by Magpies

W&DJFL

By NICK DUNN

AFTER three great wins on the bounce, the Yellow mob headed to Wang Showgrounds to take on the Maggies in the hope of making it four on the trot.

We knew the Maggies, despite having won just the three games for the year, were a team stacked with a lot of talented players, and we were going to have our work cut out to come away with the points.

With some exceptionally talented supplement players bought in for the opposition, we could see from the bounce that we needed our A game to knock this mob off, and the first quarter saw us compete really strongly at the contest in our trade mark fashion to come into the first break three points down.

In the second, we continued to battle away, and held our own for the most part, but it was evident that the combination of their talent, and our level of pressure at the contest being just slightly off led to our system begin to break down, and our ability to get our running game going suffered as a result.

In the second half, the weight of numbers in terms of their forward half entries finally got the better of our guys.

At the end of the game Mansfield Eagles Yellow 3.4 (22) were defeated by the Junior Magpies 10.8 (68).

Despite never dropping their heads, our guys just didn’t have the answers on the day, but I know for sure that that wasn’t a true indication of our team style of footy, and am absolutely certain of a fierce response next week.

Our guys should be really proud of the way they carried themselves in a game against a really aggressive opposition.

We are really proud to be the coaches of such a great group of young people, who play the game in the right spirit, with respect for the opposition teams.

The beauty of footy is you get to come out next week and put into practice the elements of the game you identify that you could have done better.

And while winning is great, sometimes losing can teach you more about the game.

Can’t wait to see what we turn out next weekend.

Captains’ Choice award: Judd Turner (Mansfield FNC) Pich Sorn (O’Malleys Pizza)

Coaches Award: Andy Friday (Desmonds Concreting)

Best: Friday, Turner, Guppy, Hoskin, Kain, Dunn, Robinson, Haslau

Goals: Maroney, Haslau, Kain

ON A ROLL: Cody George was one of Mansfield’s finest.

PHOTO: Paul Martin

Eagles crumble to unstoppable Echuca

THE Mansfield Eagles seniors suffered a painful 48-point loss in their Saturday clash against reigning premiers Echuca.

With a bye the previous week, many hoped Mansfield would return to Victoria Park replenished and ready to fight for the Round 11 game.

Their hopes were also aided by Echuca’s Round 10 loss to Seymour, the team’s first defeat since last year.

But Mansfield supporters’ optimistic aspirations quickly faded after the first siren, as Echuca cruised ahead to claim a six-goal lead in the first quarter.

The Eagles picked up the pace in the second quarter, targeting their opponents’ forward line and limiting them to just one goal.

Echuca’s stalled performance could have been attributed to the loss of ruckman Kane Morris, who left the grounds after an ankle injury.

A last-minute shot from Mansfield’s Patrick Marks from 50 metres briefly lifted the hopes of Eagles supporters in the stands.

But inaccuracy continued to plague Mansfield and the team’s pressure began to dwindle.

The Eagles were forced back by repeated goals from Echuca’s powerhouse duo Will Monahan and Samuel Reid.

However, the dependable Ben Christopher and Nathan Buchanan redeemed Mansfield in the third.

Bombers bring A-game against Moyhu

By SAMUEL O’BRIEN O&KFNL FOOTBALL

BY HANNAH KENNELLY hkennelly@ nemedia.com.au

The duo powered through the final quarter and booted two goals within a minute, narrowing the margin to 25 points.

However, each time the Eagles showed signs of a fiery comeback, Echuca would snuff it out.

Jack Evans’ onslaught of goals pushed the margin out to 42 points, winning the game and cementing Echuca’s 10th win of the season.

Final scores saw Echuca defeat Mansfield 17.6 (108) to 9.12 (66).

Finest on field for Mansfield were Dirk Koenen, Ben Christopher, Tom Dunstan, Harry Mahoney, and Cody George.

Best for Echuca were Jackson Stewart, Cameron Valentine, Samuel Reid, Will Monahan, and Cooper Willoughby Eagles seniors coach Chad Owens reflected on the pivotal final quarter margin.

“There was a point where the margin was quite close, but we unfortunately made some small mistakes that cost us,” he said.

Despite the loss, Coach Owens was pleased with his team’s efforts.

“I think the scoreboard didn’t necessarily reflect the effort our players put in,” he said.

■ Continued page 39

THE Bonnie Doon Bombers have smashed Moyhu in its first home game since the mid-season break, further cementing its finals chances.

The home side got off to a great start, scoring six goals in the first quarter and developing their lead early.

Coach Ken Murray was happy that his team was putting their training into practice.

“We have been working on the first 10 minutes of the game to try and set the tone with intensity, pressure and intent; that is where we have been focussing,” he said.

“We are getting better at starting our matches which is really important.

“Our solid start set up the win for the second half.”

The home side continued to lead a strong game despite a soft and heavy field.

“It was certainly slow,” Ken said.

“I thought we were able to get some good clean ball usage happening in spite of the slow track.”

Moyhu were able to sneak in a variety of goals during the game but the Bombers’ defensive line made sure it was not a significant threat to winning the game.

In the end, Bonnie Doon 21.9 (135) defeated Moyhu 9.5 (59).

Best: Guy Murray, Matthew Hedin, Luke Murray, Campbell Smedley, Beau Smith, Joel Sanford

The reserves side also won with an impressive lead, with Bonnie Doon 16.12 (108) showing its dominance once again against Moyhu 5.3 (33).

Goals: Jack Kirley 6, Fraser Cameron 4, Luke Benton 2, Issaac Murray 2, Luke Berriman, Patrick Revell

Best: Fraser Cameron, Jack Kirley, Patrick Revell, Luke Berriman, Andrew Marshall, Luke Benton

ON MARK: Patrick Marks delivered a fantastic goal from 50 metres.

PHOTO: Paul Martin